CVE-2015-8038 in FortiManager
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in the Graphical User Interface (GUI) in Fortinet FortiManager before 5.2.4 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) sharedjobmanager or (2) SOMServiceObjDialog.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-8038 represents a critical cross-site scripting weakness in Fortinet FortiManager's graphical user interface, affecting versions prior to 5.2.4. This issue stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding within the web-based management interface, creating opportunities for malicious actors to execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of authenticated user sessions. The vulnerability specifically impacts two distinct components within the FortiManager GUI, namely the sharedjobmanager and SOMServiceObjDialog modules, which are integral parts of the system's job scheduling and service object management functionality.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of input parameters passed to the affected GUI components. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that get executed when the vulnerable interface elements render user-provided data without proper sanitization. The sharedjobmanager component handles job scheduling operations, while the SOMServiceObjDialog manages service object configurations, both of which accept user input that flows directly into HTML output without adequate protection mechanisms. This flaw falls under CWE-79, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities, and represents a classic example of reflected XSS where malicious scripts are injected into the application's response to user requests.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it enables attackers to perform session hijacking, steal administrative credentials, and potentially gain unauthorized access to the entire FortiManager system. Since FortiManager serves as a centralized management platform for Fortinet security appliances, successful exploitation could compromise multiple network devices under management. The vulnerability's remote nature means attackers do not require physical access or local network presence, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where administrative access to security infrastructure is critical. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically JavaScript, and T1566 for Phishing, as attackers could leverage this vulnerability to deliver malicious payloads through social engineering campaigns.
Organizations affected by CVE-2015-8038 should implement immediate mitigation strategies including upgrading to FortiManager version 5.2.4 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the XSS vulnerabilities. Network administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls such as web application firewalls to filter malicious requests and monitor for suspicious activity patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and output encoding practices in web applications, particularly those handling administrative functions. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their FortiManager deployments and ensure proper access controls are in place to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. Regular security updates and patch management processes become essential for maintaining the integrity of security infrastructure components, as this vulnerability could be exploited to escalate privileges and gain persistent access to critical network security resources.