CVE-2015-7518 in Foreman
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in information popups in Foreman before 1.10.0 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via (1) global parameters, (2) smart class parameters, or (3) smart variables in the (a) host or (b) hostgroup edit forms.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/01/2022
The CVE-2015-7518 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting weakness in the Foreman systems management platform prior to version 1.10.0. This vulnerability exists within the information popup functionality that displays metadata about system parameters during host and hostgroup configuration processes. The flaw allows remote attackers to execute malicious web scripts or HTML code through manipulated input fields in three distinct parameter types: global parameters, smart class parameters, and smart variables. These vulnerabilities specifically manifest when users interact with the host or hostgroup edit forms, creating a vector for persistent malicious code injection.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the improper sanitization of user inputs in the information popup components. When administrators or users view parameter details in the Foreman interface, the application fails to adequately validate or escape special characters in parameter values before rendering them in web pages. This lack of input validation creates an environment where attackers can embed malicious scripts that execute in the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability affects multiple parameter categories, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited across different configuration contexts within the system. The attack surface expands significantly because these parameters are frequently accessed during routine system management tasks.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-7518 extends beyond simple script injection, potentially enabling attackers to perform session hijacking, steal sensitive configuration data, or redirect users to malicious sites. Since Foreman serves as a central management platform for system administrators, successful exploitation could compromise entire infrastructure management workflows. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects core administrative functions where users frequently interact with parameter values, making it difficult to predict or prevent all attack vectors. Attackers could leverage this weakness to establish persistent access to management interfaces or exfiltrate system configuration details that would otherwise remain protected.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to Foreman version 1.10.0 or later to address this vulnerability. The fix implemented in the updated version includes comprehensive input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms for all parameter values displayed in information popups. System administrators should also implement additional security measures such as web application firewalls and regular security audits of configuration parameters. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which describes cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to severe security consequences. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving command and control communications and privilege escalation through web-based attacks, making it a critical target for defensive measures in enterprise security programs.