CVE-2014-5212 in eDirectory
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in nds/search/data in iMonitor in Novell eDirectory before 8.8 SP8 Patch 4 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the rdn parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/30/2024
The CVE-2014-5212 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within Novell eDirectory's iMonitor component, specifically affecting versions prior to 8.8 SP8 Patch 4. This vulnerability resides in the nds/search/data endpoint and exploits the rdn parameter to enable remote attackers to inject malicious web scripts or HTML content. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the search functionality, creating a persistent vector for malicious code execution within the context of authenticated user sessions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the rdn parameter in the nds/search/data endpoint, which serves as a gateway for directory search operations within the eDirectory system. When the application processes this parameter without proper sanitization, it fails to validate or escape special characters that could be interpreted as HTML or script tags. This lack of input filtering creates an environment where attackers can inject malicious payloads that execute in the browser context of legitimate users who access the affected search functionality. The vulnerability specifically targets the directory service's administrative interface, making it particularly dangerous as it could be leveraged by attackers to compromise administrative sessions and potentially escalate privileges within the directory infrastructure.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-5212 extends beyond simple script injection, as it enables attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration. Given that iMonitor serves as an administrative interface for managing Novell eDirectory services, successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to directory information, modify user accounts, or manipulate directory structures. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which categorizes cross-site scripting as a code injection flaw that occurs when untrusted data is sent to a web browser without proper validation or sanitization. This weakness provides attackers with a pathway to establish persistent access within the directory service environment, potentially compromising the integrity and confidentiality of the entire directory infrastructure.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigation strategies including applying the available patches from Novell, specifically the 8.8 SP8 Patch 4 release that addresses this specific XSS vulnerability. Network administrators should also consider implementing additional protective measures such as web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious script injection attempts, as well as regular security monitoring of directory service access logs for suspicious activity. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in web applications, particularly within administrative interfaces where the potential for privilege escalation exists. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving code injection and credential access, with potential for lateral movement within directory service environments once initial access is achieved. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of the patched environment to ensure that the XSS vulnerability has been fully resolved without introducing regressions in functionality.