CVE-2016-2350 in File Transfer Appliance
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities on the Accellion File Transfer Appliance (FTA) before FTA_9_12_40 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified input to (1) getimageajax.php, (2) move_partition_frame.html, or (3) wmInfo.html.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/30/2024
The CVE-2016-2350 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting the Accellion File Transfer Appliance FTA version 9.12.40 and earlier. This vulnerability resides within the web interface components of the appliance, specifically targeting three distinct files that handle user input processing. The flaw allows remote attackers to execute malicious scripts within the context of authenticated users' browsers, potentially leading to complete session hijacking and unauthorized access to sensitive data. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the affected web pages, creating persistent XSS attack vectors that can be exploited without requiring user interaction beyond visiting malicious web pages.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves three primary attack vectors: getimageajax.php, move_partition_frame.html, and wmInfo.html. These files process user-supplied input without proper sanitization, enabling attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code that executes when the page renders. The flaw falls under CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities where untrusted data is improperly incorporated into web pages. The attack surface is particularly concerning because these files are part of the core file transfer appliance functionality, meaning they are frequently accessed by legitimate users during normal operations. The vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate the appliance's web interface in ways that could compromise the entire file transfer environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-2350 extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with the ability to establish persistent access to the appliance's administrative functions. An attacker could potentially steal session cookies, modify file transfer configurations, or gain access to sensitive data stored within the appliance. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not need physical access to the network or appliance, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where such appliances often handle confidential information. The attack can be executed through various means including phishing emails, compromised websites, or malicious links that lure users into interacting with the vulnerable appliance interface. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers spearphishing attacks that can lead to credential theft and system compromise.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided patch, implementing web application firewalls, and conducting thorough security assessments of the appliance's web interface. Network segmentation and monitoring of traffic to these specific vulnerable endpoints can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing content security policies and strict input validation measures can provide defense-in-depth protection against similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and output encoding in web applications, aligning with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. Regular security updates and vulnerability assessments are essential to prevent exploitation of similar flaws in critical infrastructure components.