CVE-2017-14714 in epesi
Summary
by MITRE
In EPESI 1.8.2 rev20170830, there is Stored XSS in the Phonecalls Subject parameter.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2017-14714 represents a stored cross-site scripting flaw in EPESI version 1.8.2 revision 20170830, specifically affecting the Phonecalls Subject parameter. This issue allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that persist in the application's database and execute whenever the affected data is rendered to users. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the phone call management component of the EPESI system, which is commonly used for customer relationship management and business process automation. Stored XSS vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because the malicious code remains persistent in the application's backend storage and executes automatically when legitimate users view the affected content, making them more impactful than reflected XSS variants that require user interaction to trigger.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits a malicious payload through the Phonecalls Subject field, which is then stored in the database without proper sanitization. When other users view the phone call records, their browsers execute the injected scripts within the context of the vulnerable application. This can lead to session hijacking, credential theft, redirection to malicious sites, or arbitrary code execution on victim machines. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which classifies cross-site scripting flaws as weaknesses in input validation and output encoding, and specifically relates to CWE-80, which addresses improper neutralization of script-prone HTML tags in a web page. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a web application vulnerability that can be leveraged for initial access or privilege escalation within the target environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-14714 extends beyond simple data theft or session manipulation, as it can serve as a vector for more sophisticated attacks within enterprise environments. In business contexts where EPESI is used for customer management, employee communication, and workflow automation, compromised phone call records can provide attackers with access to sensitive business information, contact details, and communication patterns. The persistent nature of stored XSS means that even after the initial exploit, attackers can maintain access and continue to harvest information from the compromised system. Organizations using this version of EPESI face risks including unauthorized data access, potential data exfiltration, and the possibility of using the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks against internal networks. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects core business communication functions where users regularly interact with phone call data, increasing the likelihood of successful exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-14714 should prioritize immediate patching of the EPESI application to the latest version that addresses this vulnerability. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application, particularly for user-controllable parameters like the Phonecalls Subject field. Security measures including Content Security Policy implementation, proper HTML escaping of dynamic content, and regular security audits of web application inputs should be enforced. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing robust web application security controls, as outdated applications often contain unpatched vulnerabilities that attackers can readily exploit. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and regular penetration testing to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across their technology infrastructure.