CVE-2016-8019 in VirusScan Enterprise Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in attributes in Intel Security VirusScan Enterprise Linux (VSEL) 2.0.3 (and earlier) allows unauthenticated remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a crafted user input.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/05/2024
The CVE-2016-8019 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within Intel Security VirusScan Enterprise Linux version 2.0.3 and earlier releases. This security weakness resides in the application's handling of user input attributes, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of affected systems. The vulnerability specifically targets the input validation mechanisms that should normally sanitize user-provided data before processing or rendering it within the application interface.
This XSS vulnerability operates through the exploitation of insufficient input sanitization processes that fail to properly validate or escape user-supplied attributes. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that, when processed by the vulnerable VSEL application, are executed in the browsers of unsuspecting users who interact with the affected system. The flaw exists in the web interface layer where user attributes are handled, making it accessible to unauthenticated remote attackers who do not require valid credentials to exploit the vulnerability.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-8019 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform session hijacking, deface web interfaces, steal sensitive information, or redirect users to malicious websites. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can leverage this flaw from any location without requiring physical access to the target system. This characteristic significantly increases the attack surface and potential for widespread exploitation across networks where VSEL is deployed.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a web application attack vector under the technique of "Cross-Site Scripting" with potential for privilege escalation and data theft. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and inadequate output encoding that are fundamental requirements for secure web application development.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-8019 require immediate patching of the affected VSEL versions to the latest available releases that address the XSS vulnerability. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation measures, including proper HTML escaping and sanitization of all user attributes before processing. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection while awaiting full patch deployment. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other applications and systems within the network infrastructure.