CVE-2008-6096 in NetScreen ScreenOS
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Juniper NetScreen ScreenOS before 5.4r10, 6.0r6, and 6.1r2 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the user name parameter to the (1) web interface login page or the (2) telnet login page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/04/2021
The CVE-2008-6096 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in Juniper NetScreen ScreenOS operating systems across multiple versions including pre-5.4r10, 6.0r6, and 6.1r2. This vulnerability resides in the authentication handling mechanisms of the network security device, specifically affecting both the web interface login page and the telnet login page. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization of user-provided data, particularly the username parameter, which allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content. This vulnerability falls under CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which is a fundamental weakness in web application security that enables attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of other users.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers submit maliciously crafted username parameters to either the web interface login page or the telnet login page. When the system processes these inputs without proper sanitization, the injected scripts become part of the web page response or authentication handling process. This allows attackers to execute malicious code in the victim's browser context, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or unauthorized access to the network security device. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it targets authentication pages where users typically enter sensitive information, making it a prime target for credential harvesting attacks. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 - Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment, as it enables attackers to create malicious login pages that can capture user credentials.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-6096 extends beyond simple script injection, as it compromises the integrity and confidentiality of the network security infrastructure. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to the network device, potentially leading to complete network compromise. The vulnerability affects both web and telnet interfaces, providing multiple attack surfaces for exploitation. Organizations using affected Juniper NetScreen devices face significant risk, as the attacker can manipulate the authentication process to redirect users to malicious pages or execute scripts that capture session cookies. This vulnerability also undermines the trust model of the network security infrastructure, as it allows attackers to impersonate legitimate users within the system. The impact is particularly severe in environments where these devices serve as primary network security controls, as successful exploitation could lead to complete network infiltration and data exfiltration.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-6096 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to versions 5.4r10, 6.0r6, and 6.1r2 where the vulnerability has been addressed. Organizations should implement input validation and sanitization measures across all authentication interfaces to prevent similar vulnerabilities from arising. Network segmentation and monitoring of authentication traffic can help detect exploitation attempts. The implementation of web application firewalls and security headers can provide additional protection layers against XSS attacks. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in network infrastructure. Organizations should also consider implementing multi-factor authentication to reduce the impact of credential compromise. This vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and proper input validation in network security devices, as these systems often serve as primary targets for advanced persistent threats. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patched systems to ensure that the fix does not introduce compatibility issues with existing network configurations.