CVE-2014-7157 in WAN Optimization Suite
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Exinda WAN Optimization Suite 7.0.0 (2160) allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the tabsel parameter to admin/launch.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/29/2022
The CVE-2014-7157 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Exinda WAN Optimization Suite version 7.0.0 build 2160. This security weakness resides in the administrative interface of the network optimization appliance, specifically within the handling of user input parameters. The vulnerability manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize or validate the tabsel parameter that is processed through the admin/launch endpoint. This parameter is typically used to control tab selection within the administrative web interface, making it a prime target for malicious input injection attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the tabsel parameter in the URL request sent to the admin/launch endpoint. When an attacker crafts a malicious request containing script code within the tabsel parameter, the application processes this input without adequate sanitization measures. The vulnerability stems from the application's insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms, allowing malicious scripts to be executed in the context of the victim's browser session. This flaw falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, specifically representing a stored or reflected XSS variant depending on how the malicious content is handled by the application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to hijack user sessions, steal sensitive administrative credentials, and potentially escalate privileges within the network optimization environment. Given that the affected system is a WAN optimization suite, attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability could gain unauthorized access to critical network infrastructure management functions, potentially disrupting network operations or gaining persistent access to the corporate network. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the administrative interface, which typically requires elevated privileges and contains sensitive configuration data that could compromise the entire network optimization infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-7157 should prioritize immediate patching of the Exinda WAN Optimization Suite to the latest available version that addresses this specific XSS vulnerability. Network administrators should implement input validation measures at the application level, ensuring that all user-supplied parameters undergo strict sanitization before being processed or displayed. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection against script injection attacks by restricting the sources from which scripts can be loaded. Regular security assessments and web application firewalls should be deployed to monitor and block suspicious requests targeting the admin/launch endpoint. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213, which covers data from information repositories, and demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and output encoding as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten security principles. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of administrative interfaces to trusted networks only, reducing the attack surface and potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.