CVE-2011-5027 in Zabbix
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in ZABBIX before 1.8.10 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors related to the profiler.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2021
The CVE-2011-5027 vulnerability represents a cross-site scripting flaw discovered in ZABBIX monitoring software versions prior to 1.8.10. This vulnerability specifically affects the profiler component of the application, creating a potential attack vector for remote adversaries to execute malicious web scripts or HTML code within the context of other users' browsers. The issue stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the profiler functionality, which processes and displays user-supplied data without proper sanitization measures. The vulnerability enables attackers to inject malicious code that can persist and execute when other users view the affected profiler data, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or unauthorized access to monitored systems.
This XSS vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is classified as a critical security weakness in web applications. The attack vector specifically targets the profiler module, which is commonly used for performance monitoring and analysis within ZABBIX's user interface. The unspecified nature of the injection vectors suggests that multiple pathways within the profiler component could be exploited, potentially including parameters passed through HTTP requests, form inputs, or data retrieved from backend systems. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that ZABBIX is widely deployed for system and network monitoring, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking to compromise monitoring infrastructure and gain access to sensitive operational data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent access to monitoring environments. When exploited, the XSS flaw allows malicious actors to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the browser context of authenticated users, potentially leading to session fixation, credential harvesting, or redirection to malicious sites. The profiler functionality, being integral to system monitoring, means that successful exploitation could provide attackers with insights into monitored systems, potentially revealing network topology, system configurations, or other sensitive operational information. The vulnerability's remote nature eliminates the need for physical access to the monitored systems, making it particularly dangerous for organizations relying on ZABBIX for critical infrastructure monitoring.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate remediation through upgrading to ZABBIX version 1.8.10 or later, which includes proper input validation and output encoding fixes for the profiler component. Security teams should implement additional monitoring for suspicious user activity and anomalous data patterns within the profiler module. The mitigation strategy should also include web application firewall rules to detect and block potential XSS payloads targeting the affected components. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their monitoring infrastructure to identify any other potential XSS vulnerabilities, as the issue may extend beyond the specific profiler module. Implementation of Content Security Policy headers and regular security testing of web interfaces can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the future. The incident underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing robust input validation mechanisms in monitoring and management interfaces.