CVE-2012-4891 in Firewall Analyzer
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in fw/index2.do in ManageEngine Firewall Analyzer 7.2 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the url parameter, a different vector than CVE-2012-4889. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-4891 represents a cross-site scripting flaw within ManageEngine Firewall Analyzer version 7.2 that specifically targets the fw/index2.do web application component. This issue manifests as a remote code execution vector that enables attackers to inject malicious web scripts or HTML content directly into the application's response. The vulnerability operates through the url parameter within the fw/index2.do endpoint, creating a pathway for attackers to manipulate the application's behavior and potentially compromise user sessions or access sensitive data. The flaw demonstrates characteristics of a classic reflected cross-site scripting vulnerability where user-supplied input is not properly sanitized or validated before being rendered in the web response.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the Firewall Analyzer application's processing of the url parameter. When the application receives a request containing malicious content in the url parameter, it fails to properly encode or filter the input before incorporating it into the HTTP response. This processing gap allows attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code that executes within the context of other users' browsers who view the affected page. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires no authentication to exploit, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by remote attackers without prior access credentials.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-4891 extends beyond simple script injection, potentially enabling attackers to perform session hijacking, deface web applications, steal sensitive user information, or redirect users to malicious websites. The reflected nature of the vulnerability means that successful exploitation can result in immediate execution of attacker-controlled code within victim browsers, creating opportunities for data exfiltration, credential theft, or further exploitation of the compromised session. Organizations using ManageEngine Firewall Analyzer 7.2 face significant risk as this vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including phishing emails, malicious web links, or compromised websites that redirect users to the vulnerable endpoint.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications. The attack surface is consistent with ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers social engineering methods that can lead to code execution through web-based attacks. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and output encoding controls, proper parameter sanitization, and application-level firewall rules to block malicious payloads. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of proper input validation and output encoding practices as recommended by OWASP and other security frameworks. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls and regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in their web applications. The incident highlights the necessity of keeping security patches current and demonstrates how seemingly minor input validation gaps can create significant security risks in enterprise network management tools.