CVE-2014-3080 in Global Console Manager 16
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities on IBM GCM16 and GCM32 Global Console Manager switches with firmware before 1.20.20.23447 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via (1) the query string to kvm.cgi or (2) the key parameter to avctalert.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/06/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-3080 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting IBM GCM16 and GCM32 Global Console Manager switches. These network management devices operate as centralized control points for managing multiple networked systems, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking persistent access to enterprise networks. The affected firmware versions prior to 1.20.20.23447 contain insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing or rendering it within web interfaces.
The technical exploitation occurs through two distinct attack vectors that leverage improper parameter handling in web applications running on the affected switches. The first vulnerability exists in the kvm.cgi script where attackers can inject malicious payloads through the query string parameter, while the second vulnerability targets the avctalert.php script through manipulation of the key parameter. Both attack surfaces demonstrate weak input validation and output encoding practices that permit arbitrary web script execution within the context of authenticated user sessions. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it enables attackers to potentially escalate privileges and gain unauthorized access to the underlying network management infrastructure. Remote attackers can leverage these XSS vulnerabilities to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or inject malicious content that could compromise the integrity of network management operations. The Global Console Manager switches serve as critical control points for enterprise network administration, making successful exploitation particularly dangerous for organizations relying on these devices for network monitoring and management. Attackers could potentially use these vulnerabilities to manipulate network configurations, monitor traffic, or establish persistent backdoors within the network infrastructure.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates to version 1.20.20.23447 or later, which address the input validation deficiencies in both affected scripts. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures to monitor and filter malicious requests targeting these specific endpoints. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the web application attack patterns, specifically targeting the execution of malicious code through web interfaces. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of these affected switches within their network infrastructure and implement proper access controls to limit exposure to unauthorized remote access attempts.