CVE-2013-5702 in XTM
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in WebCenter in WatchGuard WSM and Fireware before 11.8 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/03/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-5702 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting WatchGuard WebCenter components within the WatchGuard Security Management and Fireware platforms. This vulnerability specifically impacts versions prior to 11.8 and exposes the system to remote code execution through malicious web script injection. The flaw resides in the WebCenter module's handling of unspecified parameters, creating an attack surface where malicious actors can manipulate input fields to inject arbitrary HTML and JavaScript code into web interfaces. Such vulnerabilities fall under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting attacks, where input validation and output encoding fail to prevent malicious code execution in the context of a user's browser session. The attack vector leverages the trust relationship between the web application and end users, allowing adversaries to execute scripts in the victim's browser context.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic input sanitization failure within the WebCenter interface components. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious payloads that target unspecified parameters within the web application's request handling mechanisms. These parameters likely include form fields, URL query strings, or API endpoints that do not properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input before rendering it in web responses. The lack of proper input filtering and output encoding creates persistent XSS conditions where injected scripts can execute with the privileges of the victim user, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or further lateral movement within the network. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which encompasses social engineering tactics involving malicious code injection through web applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-5702 extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive administrative functions within the WatchGuard security infrastructure. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain unauthorized access to security management interfaces, potentially compromising the entire network security posture. The affected WebCenter components typically serve as administrative portals for security policy management, firewall configuration, and monitoring functions, making them prime targets for attackers seeking persistent access to critical network infrastructure. Organizations running vulnerable versions face significant risk of unauthorized access to security controls, potential data exfiltration, and disruption of network security operations. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the network and can exploit it from external locations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-5702 focus on immediate patching and implementation of robust input validation measures. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to WatchGuard Fireware version 11.8 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes to address the XSS vulnerabilities. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms can provide defense-in-depth protection against similar vulnerabilities. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected WebCenter components and ensure that proper web application firewall rules are in place to detect and block malicious input patterns. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection against script execution in compromised contexts, while regular security monitoring and log analysis should be employed to detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.