CVE-2014-5113 in MyConnection Server
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in test.php in Visualware MyConnection Server 9.7i allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) testtype, (2) ver, (3) cm, (4) map, (5) lines, (6) pps, (7) bpp, (8) codec, (9) provtext, (10) provtextextra, (11) provlink, or (12) duration parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/26/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-5113 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Visualware MyConnection Server 9.7i application, specifically affecting the test.php script. This weakness exposes the system to remote code execution risks where malicious actors can inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content directly into the application's response. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly process user-supplied parameters, creating an attack surface that can be exploited by remote threat actors without requiring authentication or privileged access. The affected parameters span across multiple functional areas of the application including testtype, ver, cm, map, lines, pps, bpp, codec, provtext, provtextextra, provlink, and duration, indicating a widespread issue that impacts various aspects of the server's testing functionality.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in software applications, and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to severe security implications. The attack vector operates through HTTP parameters that are directly reflected in the application's output without proper sanitization, allowing attackers to craft malicious payloads that execute within the context of other users' browsers. The operational impact extends beyond simple data theft or defacement, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to hijack user sessions, redirect traffic to malicious sites, or execute unauthorized commands on behalf of authenticated users. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the MyConnection Server, which is designed for network testing and monitoring, potentially compromising the integrity of network diagnostics and performance measurements.
The exploitation of CVE-2014-5113 can be mapped to several techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly under the initial access and execution phases where adversaries leverage web application vulnerabilities to establish footholds. The attack typically involves crafting specially formatted HTTP requests containing malicious script payloads within the vulnerable parameters, which are then executed when other users view the affected pages. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where network monitoring tools are extensively used, as it could allow attackers to gain insights into network configurations, user activities, or potentially escalate privileges within the monitored network infrastructure. The lack of proper input filtering and output encoding creates a persistent threat that can affect multiple users simultaneously, making it a significant concern for organizations relying on the Visualware MyConnection Server for critical network operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms across all user-supplied parameters. Organizations should immediately apply vendor-provided patches or updates to the MyConnection Server software, as Visualware would have released security fixes addressing this specific issue. Additionally, implementing proper parameter sanitization techniques, including the use of allowlists for acceptable input values, can prevent malicious content from being processed. Network segmentation and web application firewalls should be deployed to monitor and filter suspicious traffic patterns, while regular security assessments and penetration testing can help identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers and proper HTTP response headers can provide additional layers of protection against XSS attacks, ensuring that even if exploitation occurs, the impact is minimized through browser-level security controls.