CVE-2014-5464 in ntopng
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the nDPI traffic classification library in ntopng (aka ntop) before 1.2.1 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the HTTP Host header.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/30/2024
The CVE-2014-5464 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the nDPI traffic classification library of ntopng, a widely used network traffic monitoring and analysis platform. This vulnerability specifically affects versions prior to 1.2.1 and stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms in the HTTP Host header processing. The ntopng application, which serves as a network monitoring solution for enterprise and security professionals, utilizes nDPI for deep packet inspection and protocol classification. When the application processes HTTP requests through the Host header without proper sanitization, it creates an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content directly into the application's response.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it firmly within the category of input validation flaws, specifically categorized under CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation. The flaw occurs because the nDPI library fails to properly escape or filter user-supplied data from the HTTP Host header before incorporating it into dynamically generated web content. This oversight creates a classic XSS attack vector where an attacker can craft a malicious Host header containing script tags or HTML code that gets executed in the context of other users' browsers who view the affected web interface. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the application layer and can be exploited through standard HTTP traffic without requiring any special privileges or authentication.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-5464 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable sophisticated attack chains within network monitoring environments. Network administrators who rely on ntopng for security monitoring and traffic analysis become vulnerable to session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration attacks. When attackers successfully exploit this vulnerability, they can potentially access sensitive network information, manipulate monitoring data, or redirect users to malicious websites. The attack surface is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where ntopng is deployed for security monitoring, as compromised monitoring systems can provide attackers with unprecedented visibility into network traffic patterns and potentially expose other security tools or systems. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 - Phishing, as attackers can leverage the XSS to deliver malicious payloads through crafted network traffic.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary and most effective solution involves upgrading to ntopng version 1.2.1 or later, which includes proper input sanitization for HTTP Host header processing. Organizations should also implement comprehensive web application firewall rules that can detect and block malicious Host header content, particularly scripts or unusual character sequences. Additional defensive measures include enabling Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution, implementing proper input validation at multiple layers of the application stack, and conducting regular security assessments of network monitoring tools. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in network security applications and highlights the need for security professionals to maintain updated monitoring tools and implement robust defensive measures against common web application vulnerabilities.