XSS Vulnerability in Python XML-RPC Server
Summary
CVE-2019-16935: The documentation XML-RPC server in Python through 2.7.16, 3.x through 3.6.9, and 3.7.x through 3.7.4 has XSS via the server_title field. Affects python3 across 2 version ranges.
< 3.7.5-r0
< c2f86d86e6c8f5fd1ef602128b537a48f3f5c063
Fixed in 3.7.5-r0. How to fix ↓
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Background
Python is a popular programming language known for its simplicity and versatility. It is widely used for web development, scientific computing, and automation tasks. The XML-RPC server in Python allows remote procedure calls over HTTP, making it a convenient tool for building distributed systems. However, a vulnerability has been discovered in the XML-RPC server that can lead to cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2019-16935, affects Python versions 2.x through 2.7.16, 3.x through 3.6.9, and 3.7.x through 3.7.4. It specifically targets the server_title field in the documentation XML-RPC server. When untrusted input is passed to the set_server_title function, it can result in the delivery of arbitrary JavaScript code to clients visiting the server's HTTP URL. This can enable an attacker to execute malicious actions on the client-side, potentially compromising user data and system security.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
3.7.5-r0
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apk add --upgrade python3Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
As a workaround, it is advisable to sanitize and validate any user input before passing it to the set_server_title function. This can be achieved by implementing input validation and output encoding techniques to prevent the execution of arbitrary JavaScript code.
Conclusion
The XSS vulnerability in the Python XML-RPC server can have severe consequences, including the execution of arbitrary JavaScript code on client systems. It is crucial to update Python to version 3.7.5 or later and implement input validation and output encoding techniques to mitigate the risk. For further assistance and support in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
The vulnerability allows an attacker to inject and execute arbitrary JavaScript code on clients visiting the affected server's HTTP URL. This can lead to various consequences, including unauthorized access to user data, session hijacking, and the potential for further exploitation.
The vulnerability affects Python versions 2.x through 2.7.16, 3.x through 3.6.9, and 3.7.x through 3.7.4. It is crucial to update to Python 3.7.5 or later to address the issue.
To protect your system, it is recommended to update Python to version 3.7.5 or later. Additionally, implementing input validation and output encoding techniques can help mitigate the risk of XSS attacks.
At the time of this report, there are no known public exploits specifically targeting this vulnerability. However, it is essential to apply the recommended updates and security measures to prevent potential exploitation.
For more detailed information about this vulnerability, you can refer to the official CVE-2019-16935 documentation and the provided source links in the vulnerability details section.
References
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