CVE-2014-5069 in s350i
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Symmetricom s350i 2.70.15 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via vectors involving system logs.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/20/2019
The CVE-2014-5069 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in Symmetricom s350i network time protocol devices running firmware version 2.70.15. This vulnerability resides within the device's web interface handling of system log data, creating an exploitable entry point for remote attackers to execute malicious code within the context of authenticated users' browsers. The flaw specifically affects the device's logging functionality where user-supplied data is not properly sanitized before being rendered in web responses, enabling attackers to inject malicious scripts that can persist in the system logs and execute when viewed by administrators or other users.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the Symmetricom s350i's web application layer. When system logs contain user-controlled input, the device fails to properly escape or filter special characters that could be interpreted as HTML or JavaScript code. This allows attackers to craft malicious log entries that, when displayed in the web interface, execute arbitrary scripts in the browser context of any user who views the affected log data. The vulnerability is classified as a persistent XSS attack vector since the malicious content is stored in the system logs and executed each time the logs are accessed, rather than requiring a single click or immediate interaction.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to network security infrastructure management. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to administrative functions, steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or execute commands on behalf of authenticated users. The Symmetricom s350i devices are commonly used in critical network infrastructure environments where time synchronization is essential, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking to disrupt network operations or establish persistent access points. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means attackers do not need physical access to the device or network proximity, enabling widespread compromise from external attack vectors.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the CWE-79 weakness classification, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities in web applications. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a web application attack vector under the T1059.007 technique for scripting languages, particularly when targeting web interfaces for persistent access. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates from Symmetricom, network segmentation to limit access to administrative interfaces, and enhanced monitoring of system log entries for suspicious patterns. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and output encoding practices in web applications, along with regular security assessments of network infrastructure devices, can prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in other systems. The vulnerability underscores the importance of securing all network components, particularly those with web-based management interfaces, as they represent common attack surfaces for sophisticated adversaries targeting enterprise infrastructure.