CVE-2017-4930 in AirWatch
Summary
by MITRE
VMware AirWatch Console 9.x prior to 9.2.0 contains a vulnerability that could allow an authenticated AWC user to add a malicious URL to an enrolled device's 'Links' page. Successful exploitation of this issue could result in an unsuspecting AWC user being redirected to a malicious URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/24/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-4930 resides within VMware AirWatch Console version 9.x prior to 9.2.0, representing a significant security weakness that compromises the integrity of device management operations. This flaw specifically affects the console's handling of URL validation within the enrolled device's 'Links' page functionality, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate device configurations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages legitimate authentication mechanisms, meaning that only authenticated users with appropriate privileges can exploit this weakness, yet the impact extends beyond typical privilege boundaries due to the nature of device redirection.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the AirWatch Console's administrative interface. When administrators configure device links through the console, the system fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied URLs before storing them in the device's configuration. This insufficient validation creates a path for malicious URL injection, where an authenticated user can craft or insert a specially formatted URL that will be executed or displayed on the enrolled device. The flaw operates as a reflected cross-site scripting vulnerability with persistent storage characteristics, allowing attackers to establish persistent malicious presence within the device management ecosystem.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple redirection attacks, as it represents a critical vector for social engineering and phishing operations within enterprise environments. When unsuspecting users encounter the malicious URL on their enrolled devices, they may be directed to fraudulent websites designed to capture credentials, install malware, or conduct further reconnaissance. The attack chain typically involves an attacker with legitimate access to the AirWatch console exploiting this vulnerability to inject malicious links that appear to be legitimate corporate resources. This creates a sophisticated attack scenario where the malicious payload is delivered through trusted management interfaces, making detection and prevention significantly more challenging for security operations teams.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which describes cross-site scripting flaws, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploitation of vulnerabilities in web applications. The attack surface is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where AirWatch console administrators have broad device management capabilities, as successful exploitation can result in unauthorized access to sensitive corporate data and systems. The vulnerability also relates to CWE-20, which covers input validation issues, highlighting the fundamental flaw in the application's data handling processes. Organizations using affected versions of AirWatch Console face elevated risk of targeted attacks that can bypass traditional network security controls due to the legitimate administrative access required for exploitation.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patch deployment to version 9.2.0 or later, which addresses the input validation gaps in the console's URL handling mechanisms. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and monitoring of AirWatch console traffic to detect anomalous URL insertion patterns, while establishing strict access controls and audit logging for administrative console activities. Additional defensive measures include regular security assessments of device management interfaces, implementation of web application firewalls, and enhanced user awareness training to recognize potentially malicious redirection attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing comprehensive application security controls within enterprise mobile device management systems.