CVE-2017-14973 in Two-Reader Controller Configuration Manager
Summary
by MITRE
IDenticard Two-Reader Controller Configuration Manager 1.18.8 (396) is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) via the notes field in /~user_handler?file=logged_in.shtm (aka the edit user page).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14973 affects the IDenticard Two-Reader Controller Configuration Manager version 1.18.8 build 396, representing a critical stored cross-site scripting flaw that compromises the security integrity of the user management interface. This vulnerability exists within the application's handling of user notes data through the specific endpoint /~user_handler?file=logged_in.shtm which serves as the edit user page functionality. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject persistent malicious scripts that execute in the context of other users' browsers when they view affected user records, creating a significant attack surface for session hijacking and data exfiltration.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization within the application's user management module. When administrators or authorized users enter data into the notes field of user accounts, the system fails to properly sanitize or encode the input before storing it in the database. This stored data is subsequently retrieved and displayed on the edit user page without adequate protection mechanisms, allowing malicious scripts to persist and execute whenever the affected page is accessed. The vulnerability classifies under CWE-79 as a cross-site scripting flaw, specifically manifesting as stored XSS due to the persistent nature of the attack vector. This weakness enables attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the victim's browser context, potentially compromising user sessions and accessing sensitive information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data corruption or display issues, as it creates a persistent backdoor for attackers to manipulate user sessions and potentially escalate privileges within the system. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, modify user permissions, or access confidential data through the compromised application interface. The attack requires minimal privileges since it targets the standard user management functionality that typically requires only basic administrative access. The persistent nature of stored XSS means that the malicious scripts remain active until manually removed from the database, providing attackers with long-term access to compromised systems. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1531 for 'Modify System Image' and T1059.007 for 'Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript', as it enables attackers to execute malicious code within the victim's browser environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-14973 should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application's user management interface. The primary remediation involves sanitizing all user-supplied input, particularly in fields that are subsequently displayed without proper encoding, through the implementation of strict input validation frameworks and context-aware output encoding. Organizations should implement Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit script execution and prevent unauthorized code injection. Additionally, the application should employ proper parameterized queries and input sanitization techniques to prevent malicious data from being stored in the database. Regular security updates and patches should be applied immediately upon vendor release, with network segmentation and monitoring of user management activities to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of implementing defense-in-depth strategies and comprehensive security testing, including regular penetration testing and code reviews focusing on user input handling and output rendering processes.