CVE-2015-1176 in osTicket
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in upload/scp/tickets.php in osTicket before 1.9.5 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the status parameter in a search action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/11/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1176 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the osTicket help desk system version 1.9.4 and earlier. This vulnerability exists in the upload/scp/tickets.php component and specifically targets the status parameter during search operations. The flaw enables remote attackers to inject malicious web scripts or HTML code into the application's response, potentially compromising user sessions and data integrity. The affected parameter operates within the search functionality of the ticket management system, making it accessible through standard web interface interactions. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is classified as a fundamental web application security weakness that allows attackers to inject client-side scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it leverages the legitimate search functionality of the system, making it difficult to distinguish between malicious and legitimate requests.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious request containing script code within the status parameter of a search action. When the vulnerable osTicket application processes this request and returns the search results page, the injected script executes in the context of the victim's browser session. This execution can lead to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious websites. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects the administrative search functionality where users might have elevated privileges, potentially allowing attackers to escalate their privileges further. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation and output encoding practices, which are core principles of secure web application development as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and the CWE catalog. The attack can be executed without requiring authentication, making it accessible to any remote user who can interact with the vulnerable system's search interface.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-1176 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other attack vectors. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can steal session cookies, modify ticket information, access sensitive customer data, or even redirect users to phishing sites. The vulnerability affects the core ticket management functionality of osTicket, which is commonly used by organizations for customer support, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to exploit user trust. Organizations using vulnerable versions of osTicket face significant risks including data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and reputational damage. The vulnerability can be exploited through various means including social engineering, where attackers might send malicious links to unsuspecting users, or through automated scanning tools that identify the specific parameter injection point. This flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for Phishing and T1071.001 for Application Layer Protocol, as it leverages web application interfaces for malicious purposes.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-1176 require immediate action to upgrade to osTicket version 1.9.5 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the input validation issues. Organizations should also implement comprehensive input sanitization and output encoding measures to prevent similar vulnerabilities in other application components. The remediation process involves not only upgrading the core application but also reviewing and strengthening the overall security posture of the help desk system. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of all web applications to identify similar input validation flaws, as this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper parameter handling in web interfaces. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls, enforcing strict content security policies, and conducting regular security testing including penetration testing and code reviews. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of keeping web applications updated and following secure coding practices such as those recommended in the OWASP Secure Coding Practices and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. Organizations should also establish incident response procedures specifically designed to handle XSS vulnerabilities, including user notification protocols and system monitoring for exploitation attempts.