CVE-2012-0414 in SUSE Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Spacewalk service in SUSE Manager 1.2 for SUSE Linux Enterprise (SLE) 11 SP1 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via an image name.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/25/2018
The CVE-2012-0414 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Spacewalk service component of SUSE Manager 1.2, specifically affecting SUSE Linux Enterprise 11 Service Pack 1 deployments. This vulnerability resides in the image name handling functionality of the Spacewalk service, which serves as a systems management platform for SUSE Linux Enterprise environments. The flaw enables remote attackers to execute malicious web scripts or HTML code through crafted image name inputs, potentially compromising the integrity and security of the affected systems. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the Spacewalk service's image name processing logic.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability occurs when the Spacewalk service processes image names submitted by users or external sources without proper sanitization of potentially malicious content. When an attacker submits an image name containing malicious script code, the system fails to properly escape or filter the input before rendering it in web interfaces or generating responses. This allows the injected script to execute within the context of other users' browsers who view the affected content, creating a persistent cross-site scripting vector. The vulnerability specifically targets the image name parameter, which is often displayed in web interfaces without adequate security controls, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking to exploit web application vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-0414 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform session hijacking, steal sensitive information, redirect users to malicious sites, or even execute administrative commands within the affected systems. Since Spacewalk serves as a management platform for enterprise Linux environments, successful exploitation could provide attackers with access to system configuration data, user credentials, and potentially escalate privileges within the managed infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the broader SUSE Linux Enterprise ecosystem, particularly organizations relying on SUSE Manager for system administration and monitoring tasks. This creates a significant risk for enterprise environments where system integrity and user security are paramount, as the compromised service could serve as a foothold for more extensive attacks.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied image names, proper HTML escaping in web outputs, and regular security updates to address known vulnerabilities in the Spacewalk service. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1566 for initial access through web application attacks. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of their Spacewalk deployments, implement web application firewalls where possible, and ensure that all systems are updated to the latest available patches. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be reviewed to limit potential lateral movement if exploitation occurs, while monitoring for suspicious image name submissions and anomalous user behavior patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in web applications and highlights the need for continuous security testing and patch management processes within enterprise IT environments.