Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation in Apache Axis2/Java

Executive Summary

This is a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Apache Axis2/Java's OpenAPI module. The Swagger UI page writes the Host header value from requests into the page without proper encoding, allowing malicious scripts to be injected and executed in the context of the Axis2 origin.

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Detection Guidance

To detect this vulnerability, inspect Apache Axis2/Java instances running versions up to 2.0.1. Check if the OpenAPI module's Swagger UI page reflects the Host header without encoding. Use tools like curl to send a request with a malicious Host header and observe if script code executes in the response.

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Impact Analysis

An attacker could exploit this to run malicious scripts in your browser when accessing the Swagger UI page. This could lead to theft of session cookies, account takeover, or other unauthorized actions on behalf of the user.

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Compliance Impact

This XSS vulnerability could expose user data or session tokens, potentially violating GDPR's data protection requirements or HIPAA's safeguards for protected health information. It may lead to unauthorized access or data breaches.

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Mitigation Strategies

Upgrade Apache Axis2/Java to version 2.0.2 or later immediately. If upgrading is not possible, disable the OpenAPI module or restrict access to the Swagger UI page to trusted networks only.

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