CVE-2012-1049 in ADManager Plus
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in ManageEngine ADManager Plus 5.2 Build 5210 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) domainName parameter to jsp/AddDC.jsp or (2) operation parameter to DomainConfig.do.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/31/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-1049 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting ManageEngine ADManager Plus version 5.2 Build 5210. This vulnerability exposes the application to remote code execution through malicious web script injection, potentially allowing attackers to compromise user sessions and access sensitive organizational data. The flaw manifests in two distinct attack vectors that target different parameters within the application's web interface, creating multiple pathways for exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding within the application's parameter handling mechanisms. Specifically, the domainName parameter in the jsp/AddDC.jsp endpoint and the operation parameter in DomainConfig.do fail to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into dynamic web responses. This lack of proper input sanitization creates an environment where malicious actors can inject arbitrary HTML and JavaScript code that executes within the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which categorizes cross-site scripting as a weakness where applications fail to properly validate or encode user-controllable data before incorporating it into dynamically generated content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it enables attackers to perform session hijacking, deface web applications, and potentially escalate privileges within the managed Active Directory environment. An attacker could craft malicious payloads that steal authentication cookies, redirect users to phishing sites, or execute unauthorized administrative commands through the compromised application interface. The vulnerability particularly affects organizations relying on ADManager Plus for Active Directory management, as successful exploitation could provide attackers with elevated privileges to manipulate directory services and access sensitive user credentials. This threat aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script execution and T1566 for credential access through web application vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate input validation implementation and output encoding across all user-controllable parameters within the affected application components. Organizations must implement proper parameter sanitization at multiple layers including input validation, output encoding, and secure coding practices throughout the application's architecture. The recommended approach includes applying the latest security patches from ManageEngine, implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads, and conducting comprehensive security testing of all web interfaces. Additionally, organizations should establish secure coding guidelines that mandate proper input validation and output encoding for all dynamic content generation, aligning with industry best practices for preventing XSS vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components and ensure ongoing protection against evolving attack vectors.