CVE-2016-5075 in NMS
Summary
by MITRE
CloudView NMS before 2.10a has XSS via a TELNET login.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/28/2020
The CloudView Network Management System version 2.10a and earlier contains a cross-site scripting vulnerability that arises from improper input validation during TELNET login authentication processes. This flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious scripts into the web interface through the TELNET login mechanism, potentially compromising user sessions and system integrity. The vulnerability exists due to insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input parameters that are directly reflected in the web application's response without proper encoding or validation. The affected system processes TELNET login credentials through a web-based interface where input values are not adequately filtered, creating an entry point for malicious actors to execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of other users' browsers.
This vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws where untrusted data is incorporated into web pages without proper validation or encoding. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it leverages the TELNET protocol authentication mechanism, which is commonly used for network device management and system administration. The exploitation process typically involves crafting malicious TELNET login credentials containing script payloads that are then processed by the vulnerable web interface. When authenticated users view the affected pages or interact with the system, the injected scripts execute in their browser context, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further system compromise. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of input sanitization that violates fundamental web application security principles.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities within the compromised environment. Attackers can exploit this weakness to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, modify page content, or even execute administrative commands if the victim has elevated privileges. The threat landscape for this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which covers scripting through web shells and T1566 which encompasses credential access through social engineering and exploitation of web-based authentication systems. Organizations using CloudView NMS versions prior to 2.10a face significant risk as the vulnerability can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication to the system itself, making it particularly dangerous in network environments where such management systems are accessible from external networks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching to version 2.10a or later which addresses the input validation issues in the TELNET login processing. Organizations should also implement additional security measures such as input validation at multiple layers, output encoding for all dynamic content, and regular security scanning of web applications. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of management interfaces to trusted networks only. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious login patterns and script injection attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of comprehensive input validation across all user-facing interfaces and demonstrates the critical need for security testing of authentication mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and regular security assessments to identify similar weaknesses in other applications and systems.