CVE-2012-4923 in Endian
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in Endian Firewall 2.4 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) createrule parameter to dnat.cgi, (2) addrule parameter to dansguardian.cgi, or (3) PATH_INFO to openvpn_users.cgi.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/06/2024
The CVE-2012-4923 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting Endian Firewall version 2.4, exposing organizations to significant web application security risks. This vulnerability resides within the firewall's web management interface and affects three distinct CGI scripts that handle user input processing. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation practices where user-supplied data flows directly into web responses without adequate sanitization or encoding mechanisms. The affected parameters include createrule in dnat.cgi, addrule in dansguardian.cgi, and PATH_INFO in openvpn_users.cgi, all of which process user-controllable input that can be exploited by remote attackers to inject malicious scripts.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the fundamental weakness of insufficient input validation and output encoding in web applications, which aligns with CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation. Attackers can craft malicious payloads targeting any of the three vulnerable endpoints, potentially allowing them to execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of a victim's browser session. When a user navigates to a maliciously crafted URL or interacts with compromised content, the injected scripts execute in the victim's browser, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or unauthorized administrative actions within the firewall's management interface.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-4923 extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the network infrastructure. Since Endian Firewall serves as a network security gateway, successful exploitation could enable attackers to manipulate firewall rules, bypass security controls, or gain unauthorized access to protected network segments. The vulnerability's remote nature means attackers do not require physical access or network proximity to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where such firewalls protect critical network assets. This vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059 - Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1566 - Phishing, as it enables initial compromise through malicious web content delivery.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying available vendor patches, implementing input validation and output encoding measures, and conducting comprehensive security assessments of their web applications. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation, particularly for web interfaces managing critical infrastructure components. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls and regular security testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in other network management interfaces. Additionally, user education regarding suspicious web content and the risks of visiting untrusted websites remains crucial in mitigating the broader impact of such client-side vulnerabilities.