CVE-2017-17832 in Monitoring Software
Summary
by MITRE
ServersCheck Monitoring Software before 14.2.3 is prone to a cross-site scripting vulnerability as user supplied-data is not validated/sanitized when passed in the settings_SMS_ALERT_TYPE parameter, and JavaScript can be executed on settings-save.html (the Settings - SMS Alerts page).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/19/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-17832 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within ServersCheck Monitoring Software versions prior to 14.2.3. This security weakness resides in the application's handling of user-supplied data within the settings_SMS_ALERT_TYPE parameter, which fails to implement proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically affects the settings-save.html page, which serves as the interface for configuring SMS alerts within the monitoring system, creating a persistent vector for malicious code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate data sanitization practices within the web application's input processing pipeline. When users submit configuration data through the SMS alert settings page, the application does not properly validate or sanitize the settings_SMS_ALERT_TYPE parameter, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code. This flaw aligns with CWE-79, which categorizes cross-site scripting vulnerabilities as a result of insufficient input validation and output encoding. The vulnerability exists because the application treats user-provided data as trusted input without proper sanitization before processing or storing it within the application's configuration system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform session hijacking, deface the monitoring interface, and potentially escalate privileges within the system. An attacker could craft malicious payloads that would execute when other administrators access the SMS alert settings page, potentially stealing session cookies or redirecting users to malicious sites. This vulnerability particularly threatens organizations that rely on ServersCheck for critical infrastructure monitoring, as it could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive monitoring configurations and potentially compromise the entire monitoring infrastructure. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that the vulnerability affects the settings page, which is likely accessed by system administrators with elevated privileges, making it a prime target for privilege escalation attacks.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to ServersCheck Monitoring Software version 14.2.3 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the input validation issues. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads targeting this specific vulnerability. The remediation process should include thorough input validation and output encoding across all user-supplied parameters, with particular attention to configuration pages that handle sensitive system settings. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any other potential XSS vulnerabilities within the monitoring infrastructure, as the presence of one XSS vulnerability often indicates broader input validation weaknesses throughout the application. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of implementing proper security controls at all layers of web applications, particularly in administrative interfaces where privileged access can lead to significant system compromise. The remediation efforts should follow established security frameworks such as those recommended by the OWASP Top Ten project, which emphasizes the need for robust input validation and output encoding to prevent XSS attacks.