CVE-2013-2504 in Service Store
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in SPS/Portal/default.aspx in Service Desk in Matrix42 Service Store 5.3 SP3 (aka 5.33.946.0) allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the query string.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/23/2024
The CVE-2013-2504 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Matrix42 Service Store 5.3 SP3 platform, specifically affecting the SPS/Portal/default.aspx component. This vulnerability exposes the service desk application to remote code execution risks through malicious web script injection, making it a significant concern for enterprise environments that rely on service management platforms. The vulnerability resides in the application's handling of query string parameters, which fail to properly sanitize user input before rendering it within the web interface. This particular flaw demonstrates a classic weakness in input validation and output encoding practices that has been documented in numerous security frameworks and standards.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious query string parameter that gets processed by the default.aspx page without adequate sanitization measures. When the vulnerable application renders this input within the web page context, the injected script executes in the victim's browser with the privileges of the authenticated user. This allows attackers to perform actions such as stealing session cookies, redirecting users to malicious sites, defacing web pages, or executing unauthorized operations within the service desk environment. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-79, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in web applications, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious web content. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability affects a core portal component that likely serves as the primary interface for service desk interactions.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-2504 extends beyond simple data theft or display manipulation, as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for more sophisticated attacks within enterprise networks. Organizations using Matrix42 Service Store 5.3 SP3 face risks including unauthorized access to sensitive service desk information, potential privilege escalation, and data integrity compromise. The vulnerability could enable attackers to impersonate legitimate users, access confidential service requests, modify service catalog entries, or manipulate the service desk workflow processes. Given that service desks typically handle sensitive business information and user credentials, this vulnerability could result in significant financial and reputational damage. The attack vector requires minimal technical expertise, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by threat actors with varying skill levels, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1068 for privilege escalation through web-based attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should encompass immediate patching of the affected Matrix42 Service Store version to the latest available security updates from the vendor. Organizations must implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding measures across all web applications, particularly focusing on query string parameter handling and user input sanitization. Web application firewalls should be configured to detect and block suspicious query string patterns that may indicate XSS attack attempts. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should include thorough examination of web application input validation mechanisms. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policy headers and adopting secure coding practices that prevent direct insertion of user-supplied data into web page content can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and following the principle of least privilege in service desk environments to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.