Sickbeard Cross-Site Scripting Scanner

Sickbeard is a PVR application for newsgroup users, which identifies downloaded TV episodes, and then automatically processes them to work with various media server systems. It's popularly used by home entertainment enthusiasts to organize and watch TV series content. The software manages and renames TV shows, automates the retrieval of metadata, and ensures users can manage their video libraries efficiently. Sickbeard supports multiple platforms, making it versatile and accessible to a wide user base. Its integration capabilities with various downloaders and media centers simplify the user experience and allow seamless setup. Being an open-source tool, encourages regular community updates, introducing new features and improvements.

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) is a vulnerability that enables attackers to inject malicious scripts into content from otherwise trusted websites. When a user unknowingly interacts with these scripts, their browser can become an attack vector, leaking sensitive information. This type of vulnerability is dangerous because it allows attackers to install tracking scripts, gather sensitive data, hijack sessions, and potentially take control of affected accounts. An attacker using XSS in Sickbeard could execute arbitrary script codes in the victim's browser, manipulating their browsing experience. An unchecked XSS vulnerability puts users' data and network security at risk. Mitigation involves sanitizing inputs and ensuring data integrity is maintained across all interfaces.

The vulnerability within Sickbeard is exploited via the 'config/postProcessing/testNaming' endpoint, where unescaped user input is embedded into server responses. This precision targeting via the GET method makes Sickbeard susceptible to script injection. The parameter that becomes vulnerable is 'pattern,’ which can be manipulated to execute arbitrary JavaScript on the client side, as shown by embedding '<svg/onload=alert(document.domain)>' into requests. Upon execution, the script might unveil session cookies or other sensitive data specific to the domain. Proper input validation and organic parsing of script tags can rectify such weaknesses, safeguarding the application against common XSS payloads tainted with hypertext and JavaScript entities.

If exploited, the XSS vulnerability in Sickbeard could lead to several adverse effects, ranging from information theft to unauthorized actions being undertaken in the user’s name. Attackers might gain unauthorized access to affected users' accounts, accessing and modifying private information without detection. Session hijacking is a potential concern where authenticated sessions can be taken over by the attacker, leading to persistent access to the system. Additionally, the malicious scripts can lead to distribution in users’ network, spreading to other segments and raising risks of broader data breaches. The impact could further extend to users’ other applications connected through Sickbeard, causing widespread exposure.

REFERENCES

• https://sickbeard.com/
• https://github.com/midgetspy/Sick-Beard