CVE-2017-14036 in CrushFTP
Summary
by MITRE
CrushFTP before 7.8.0 and 8.x before 8.2.0 has XSS.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/12/2019
CrushFTP versions prior to 7.8.0 and 8.x prior to 8.2.0 contain a cross-site scripting vulnerability that allows remote attackers to inject malicious scripts into web interfaces. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications. The flaw exists in the web-based management interface where user-supplied input is not properly sanitized before being rendered back to users, creating an avenue for attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of other users' browsers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the FTP server's web interface components. When administrators or users interact with the web management console, any data entered into fields that are subsequently displayed without proper sanitization can be exploited to inject malicious payloads. Attackers can craft specially formatted requests that, when processed by the vulnerable application, result in script execution within the victim's browser session. This typically occurs in areas where user-provided data such as file names, directory paths, or configuration values are directly rendered without appropriate HTML encoding or context-specific sanitization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially impersonate legitimate users, gain unauthorized access to sensitive files, modify system configurations, or redirect users to malicious websites. The vulnerability affects both the administrative interface and user-facing components of the FTP server, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users interact with the system. The attack vector is typically remote and requires no special privileges, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation tools.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate upgrading to CrushFTP versions 7.8.0 or 8.2.0 and later, which contain proper input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious requests, enforce strict input validation policies, and conduct regular security assessments of web interfaces. Additionally, following the ATT&CK framework's mitigation recommendations for web application attacks, administrators should implement content security policies, disable unnecessary web features, and regularly audit application code for similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in web applications and aligns with industry best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines for preventing cross-site scripting attacks.