CVE-2012-5956 in AssetExplorer
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in ManageEngine AssetExplorer 5.6 before service pack 5614 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via fields in XML asset data to discoveryServlet/WsDiscoveryServlet, as demonstrated by the DocRoot/Computer_Information/output element.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2012-5956 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in ManageEngine AssetExplorer version 5.6 prior to service pack 5614. This vulnerability resides within the discoveryServlet and WsDiscoveryServlet components that process XML asset data, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute malicious web scripts or HTML code. The specific attack vector involves manipulating fields within XML asset data that are subsequently processed through the output element of DocRoot/Computer_Information, allowing adversaries to inject persistent XSS payloads that can affect unsuspecting users who view the compromised data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization within the asset management system's XML processing pipeline. When the discoveryServlet and WsDiscoveryServlet components receive XML data containing malicious payloads within fields such as the Computer_Information/output element, the system fails to properly sanitize or escape the content before rendering it in web interfaces. This processing gap creates an environment where attacker-controlled data can be executed as client-side scripts, enabling unauthorized access to user sessions, data theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically targets the web interface components that display asset information, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where asset management systems handle sensitive organizational data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable sophisticated attack chains that compromise entire user sessions and organizational security postures. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access to the asset management system, potentially escalating privileges or accessing sensitive information about network assets. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the asset explorer system, undermining the trust model that organizations rely upon for their asset inventory management. Security professionals must consider the broader implications for enterprise security, as compromised asset management systems can provide attackers with detailed information about network infrastructure, potentially enabling further attacks against other system components. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices that align with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications.
Organizations affected by CVE-2012-5956 should prioritize immediate remediation through installation of service pack 5614 or equivalent patches provided by ManageEngine. Additionally, network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide defensive measures while awaiting patch deployment. Security monitoring should focus on identifying unauthorized XML data submissions and anomalous user behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and output encoding practices as recommended by the OWASP Top Ten and MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly in the context of web application security controls. Regular security assessments of asset management systems are essential to identify similar vulnerabilities in other enterprise applications that may be similarly exposed to cross-site scripting attacks.