CVE-2013-1070 in Metal as a Service
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the API in Ubuntu Metal as a Service (MaaS) 1.2 and 1.4 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the op parameter to nodes/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/01/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-1070 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Ubuntu Metal as a Service platform version 1.2 and 1.4. This security weakness resides in the API component of the MaaS system, specifically affecting the nodes/ endpoint where the op parameter is processed. The flaw enables remote attackers to execute malicious web scripts or HTML code within the context of affected user sessions, potentially compromising the entire web application ecosystem. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter or escape user-supplied data before processing it within the application's API layer.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic XSS attack vector where the op parameter in the nodes/ API endpoint serves as the injection point for malicious payloads. When the system processes this parameter without adequate sanitization, it allows attackers to inject crafted script code that executes in the browser of authenticated users. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-site Scripting flaws in software applications. The attack requires minimal privileges since it operates over the network without requiring local access or authentication to the system itself, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where different levels of access exist.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, potentially enabling attackers to perform session hijacking, steal sensitive user information, manipulate data within the application, or redirect users to malicious websites. In the context of MaaS, which manages bare metal infrastructure provisioning, this vulnerability could allow an attacker to gain unauthorized access to critical infrastructure management functions or extract sensitive configuration data. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that MaaS systems typically handle privileged operations and maintain detailed records of network infrastructure, making the compromised environment a valuable target for attackers seeking persistent access or data exfiltration.
Security practitioners should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms to address this vulnerability, ensuring that all user-supplied parameters undergo strict sanitization before being processed or rendered in web responses. The recommended mitigations include implementing proper parameter validation, employing content security policies, and utilizing secure coding practices that prevent direct injection of user data into web responses. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring systems to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers social engineering through malicious web content, and T1059 which involves the execution of malicious code through command injection or script execution methods. Regular security assessments and patch management processes are essential to prevent exploitation of such vulnerabilities in production environments where MaaS systems manage critical infrastructure components.