CVE-2009-4848 in VirtualIQ
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in ToutVirtual VirtualIQ Pro 3.2 build 7882 and 3.5 build 8691 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) userId parameter to tvserver/server/user/setPermissions.jsp, (2) deptName parameter to tvserver/server/user/addDepartment.jsp, (3) ID parameter to tvserver/server/inventory/inventoryTabs.jsp, (4) reportName parameter to tvserver/reports/virtualIQAdminReports.do, or (5) middleName parameter in a save action to tvserver/user/user.do.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/30/2019
The CVE-2009-4848 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting ToutVirtual VirtualIQ Pro versions 3.2 build 7882 and 3.5 build 8691. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within multiple server-side components, creating persistent entry points for malicious web script injection. The affected parameters span across various administrative and user management functionalities, indicating a systemic weakness in the application's security architecture that undermines the integrity of user sessions and data handling processes. Such vulnerabilities are classified under CWE-79 as improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically manifesting as reflected cross-site scripting in the context of web applications.
The technical exploitation of these vulnerabilities occurs through the manipulation of specific HTTP parameters that are processed without adequate sanitization or encoding mechanisms. When attackers submit malicious payloads through the userId, deptName, ID, reportName, or middleName parameters, the application fails to properly validate or escape these inputs before incorporating them into dynamic web content. This allows attackers to inject HTML and JavaScript code that executes within the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The vulnerability affects multiple endpoints including user permission management, department creation, inventory tab rendering, and report generation functionalities, suggesting that the application's security controls are not consistently applied across its entire codebase.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, creating potential pathways for attackers to escalate privileges and compromise the entire VirtualIQ Pro environment. Remote attackers can leverage these XSS vectors to manipulate user permissions, access restricted administrative functions, or exfiltrate sensitive data from the inventory and reporting systems. The presence of multiple attack vectors increases the likelihood of successful exploitation and provides attackers with various methods to achieve their objectives. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where VirtualIQ Pro is used for inventory management and virtualization administration, potentially exposing critical infrastructure data and operational controls. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that these parameters are likely accessible through both authenticated and unauthenticated sessions, depending on the specific endpoint configuration.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-4848 should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding across all user-supplied parameters. Organizations must ensure that all HTTP parameters are properly sanitized and encoded before being rendered in web responses, following the principle of least privilege and input validation best practices. The recommended approach includes implementing strict parameter validation using allowlists, employing proper HTML encoding for dynamic content, and establishing a robust security framework that addresses all five identified attack vectors. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing Content Security Policy headers, regular security code reviews, and automated vulnerability scanning to prevent similar issues in future deployments. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566.001 for credential access through social engineering, highlighting the need for comprehensive security controls that address both technical and human factors in the attack chain.