CVE-2017-14536 in Trixbox
Summary
by MITRE
trixbox 2.8.0.4 has XSS via the PATH_INFO to /maint/index.php or /user/includes/language/langChooser.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/05/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14536 affects trixbox version 2.8.0.4 and represents a cross-site scripting flaw that exploits improper input validation within the application's routing mechanism. This vulnerability specifically manifests when the application processes PATH_INFO parameters through the maintenance and user management interfaces, creating an attack surface where malicious actors can inject arbitrary script code into the web application's response. The flaw resides in how the system handles URL path information without adequate sanitization or encoding of user-supplied data, allowing attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of the victim's browser session.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize input received through the PATH_INFO component of HTTP requests. When users navigate to specific endpoints such as /maint/index.php or /user/includes/language/langChooser.php, the application processes the PATH_INFO parameter without sufficient security controls. This oversight creates a condition where an attacker can craft malicious URLs containing script payloads that get executed when the application renders the affected pages. The vulnerability maps to CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through spearphishing attachments or links.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users, and potentially escalate privileges within the trixbox environment. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to access sensitive user data, modify system configurations, or establish persistent access to the telephony infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the core administrative interfaces of the trixbox system, making it particularly dangerous as it could compromise the entire communication platform. Attackers could leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to voicemail systems, modify user permissions, or disrupt critical telephony services.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-14536 should focus on implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application's codebase. Organizations should ensure that all PATH_INFO parameters are sanitized and validated before being processed or displayed in web responses. The recommended approach includes implementing context-specific encoding for all user-supplied data, particularly when rendering content in web pages or handling URL parameters. Additionally, the trixbox system should be updated to a patched version that addresses this vulnerability, as the original 2.8.0.4 release contains multiple security weaknesses that could compound the risk. Security teams should also implement web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious PATH_INFO patterns and conduct regular security assessments to identify similar input validation flaws in other components of the telephony infrastructure.