CVE-2015-5061 in AssetExplorer
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Zoho ManageEngine AssetExplorer 6.1 service pack 6112 and earlier allows remote authenticated users with permissions to add new vendors to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the organizationName parameter to VendorDef.do.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/21/2022
The vulnerability CVE-2015-5061 represents a cross-site scripting flaw within Zoho ManageEngine AssetExplorer version 6.1 service pack 6112 and earlier installations. This security weakness specifically affects the vendor management functionality of the asset explorer system, creating a potential pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code within the context of authenticated user sessions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it requires only minimal privileges to exploit, specifically the ability to add new vendors to the system, which many organizations grant to administrative or procurement personnel. The flaw exists in the VendorDef.do servlet where the organizationName parameter is processed without adequate input validation or output encoding, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts that can be executed when other users view the vendor information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input within the web application's parameter handling mechanism. When an authenticated user with vendor creation privileges submits data containing malicious script code through the organizationName field, the application fails to properly encode or validate this input before rendering it in the web interface. This failure creates a persistent XSS vector where the injected code executes within the browser context of any user who views the affected vendor record. The vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for Phishing via Social Engineering, as attackers could leverage this vulnerability to craft malicious vendor entries that would compromise user sessions. The attack chain typically involves an attacker gaining access to a legitimate user account with vendor creation permissions, crafting malicious input containing script code, submitting the vendor entry, and then waiting for other users to view the malicious vendor information, thereby executing the injected payload.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable sophisticated attack vectors including session hijacking, credential theft, and privilege escalation within the application environment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially access sensitive asset information, modify vendor records, or even escalate privileges to gain administrative access to the AssetExplorer system. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on the ManageEngine AssetExplorer for asset tracking and vendor management, particularly those with less restrictive access controls or insufficient security monitoring in place. Organizations with multiple users who have vendor creation privileges face increased risk exposure, as the attack surface expands with each user who can potentially inject malicious code. The vulnerability also impacts compliance with various security frameworks, as it represents a failure to implement proper input validation and output encoding, which are fundamental requirements for secure web application development according to OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework guidelines. The long-term implications include potential data breaches, regulatory fines, and reputational damage for organizations that fail to patch this vulnerability in a timely manner.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-5061 should prioritize immediate patch application from Zoho, as the vendor has released updates addressing this specific vulnerability. Organizations should implement input validation and output encoding controls at the application level, ensuring all user-supplied data is properly sanitized before being processed or displayed. Network segmentation and access control measures should be strengthened to limit the number of users who possess vendor creation privileges, following the principle of least privilege. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual vendor creation activities and anomalous script injection patterns within the application logs. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other web applications within the organization. Additionally, implementing content security policies and using web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection against XSS attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing user training programs to raise awareness about social engineering techniques that might be used to exploit this vulnerability, particularly in relation to phishing attacks that could lead to unauthorized access to vendor management functions. The vulnerability highlights the importance of comprehensive security testing and continuous vulnerability management programs to prevent similar issues from occurring in other applications within the enterprise environment.