CKAN Cross-Site Scripting Scanner

CKAN is an open-source data management system used by governments, organizations, and businesses to make data accessible and reusable. It is known for its robust features, such as data publication, visualization, and discovery, making it a preferred choice for managing large datasets. Developers and data scientists use CKAN to integrate data with third-party applications, enhancing data analysis and sharing. Organizations around the globe utilize CKAN for data transparency and to support data-driven decision-making processes. Its open-source nature ensures continuous improvement and customization by a committed community. CKAN's pluggable architecture allows for easy integration of new features and functionalities.

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) is a vulnerability that enables attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. In CKAN, this vulnerability exists in the Document Object Model (DOM) through the older version of the jQuery Sparkle library. When exploited, it allows an attacker to execute arbitrary scripts in the context of the user's browser session. This can lead to unauthorized actions, such as stealing cookies, session tokens, or other sensitive information. XSS vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they do not require the attacker to have direct access to the vulnerable web application. The implications of XSS can be serious, including identity theft or the bypassing of access controls.

The technical aspect of the Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability in CKAN involves the exposure through a vulnerable endpoint accessible via DOM. The parameter that gets manipulated does not properly sanitize user inputs before rendering them in the user's browser. Specifically, CKAN's reliance on older JavaScript libraries can exacerbate this vulnerability. Attack vectors include URLs containing crafted JavaScript payloads that execute upon being viewed. This DOM-based XSS requires client-side JavaScript to interpret malicious code, which is then reflected back to the user's browser. As seen in CKAN, the outdated jQuery Sparkle library is a root cause that can be addressed by developers.

If this XSS vulnerability in CKAN is exploited, it can result in severe consequences such as unauthorized session takeover. Attackers could inject scripts that steal authentication credentials, facilitating further malicious activities, including accessing restricted data. User accounts could be compromised, leading to potential data leaks or misinformation dissemination. The integrity of CKAN-hosted data could be questioned, undermining users' trust in the platform. Additionally, any connected services or applications relying on CKAN data could be indirectly impacted. Organizational reputations might suffer, impacting stakeholders, and possibly resulting in financial penalties due to data breaches or violations of established data protection regulations.

REFERENCES

• https://github.com/ckan/ckan/blob/b9e45e2723d4abd70fa72b16ec4a0bebc795c56b/ckan/public/base/javascript/view-filters.js#L27
• https://security.snyk.io/vuln/SNYK-PYTHON-CKAN-42010