CVE-2016-6320 in Foreman
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in app/assets/javascripts/host_edit_interfaces.js in Foreman before 1.12.2 allows remote authenticated users to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the network interface device identifier in the host interface form.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/14/2022
The CVE-2016-6320 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in the Foreman systems management platform prior to version 1.12.2. This vulnerability exists within the host_edit_interfaces.js javascript file located in the application's asset directory structure, specifically targeting the network interface device identifier field within the host interface form. The flaw enables authenticated remote attackers to execute malicious web scripts or HTML code within the context of other users' browsers, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on Foreman for system administration and monitoring.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the javascript code responsible for processing network interface device identifiers. When an authenticated user submits a host interface form containing malicious input in the device identifier field, the application fails to properly escape or filter the user-supplied data before rendering it in the web interface. This allows attackers to inject arbitrary javascript payloads that execute in the browser context of other users who view the affected interface, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further exploitation of the compromised systems. The vulnerability specifically targets the client-side javascript functionality rather than server-side processing, making it particularly challenging to detect through traditional server-side security measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges and compromise the entire Foreman management environment. An authenticated attacker with access to the system can leverage this XSS flaw to steal session cookies, modify interface elements, redirect users to malicious sites, or even execute commands on behalf of other users with elevated privileges. Given that Foreman is commonly used for managing large enterprise environments, the potential for widespread impact increases significantly, as compromised interfaces could affect multiple hosts and systems under management. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-79, which defines Cross-site Scripting as a common web application security flaw where untrusted data is incorporated into web pages without proper validation or encoding.
Organizations utilizing Foreman versions prior to 1.12.2 should immediately implement mitigation strategies including mandatory input validation, output encoding, and comprehensive security testing of javascript components. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to Foreman version 1.12.2 or later, which includes proper sanitization of user inputs and enhanced javascript security measures. Additional protective measures include implementing content security policies to restrict script execution, conducting regular security audits of javascript assets, and establishing strict input validation controls for all user-supplied data within web interfaces. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of securing client-side javascript components and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing throughout the application lifecycle. This issue also relates to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript and T1566 for credential access through web-based attacks, emphasizing the multi-faceted nature of the security threat.