CVE-2017-5998 in SNARE Epilog for UNIX
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in InterSect Alliance SNARE Epilog for UNIX version 1.5 allows remote authenticated users to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the str_log_name parameter in a "Web Admin Portal > Log Configuration > Add" action.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2019
The CVE-2017-5998 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the InterSect Alliance SNARE Epilog for UNIX version 1.5 web administration interface. This vulnerability specifically targets the log configuration functionality where authenticated users can manipulate the str_log_name parameter through the Web Admin Portal's Log Configuration > Add action. The flaw exists in the application's input validation mechanisms, failing to properly sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into dynamically generated web content. This weakness enables attackers to inject malicious scripts or HTML code that executes in the context of other users' browsers who view the affected log entries. The vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration classification of CWE-79, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in web applications. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks as it allows authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code in the browsers of other users, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or further escalation within the compromised environment. The attack vector requires an authenticated user to access the web administration portal, making it less trivial to exploit but still highly concerning given that the application likely handles sensitive system logging data. The vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001, which covers the exploitation of web application vulnerabilities for initial access or privilege escalation. Organizations using this version of SNARE Epilog face potential exposure to attackers who can leverage this flaw to gain persistent access to their logging infrastructure, particularly in environments where the application is used for security monitoring and incident response activities. The impact extends beyond simple script execution as it can compromise the integrity of log data, potentially leading to false security alerts or masking actual security incidents. The vulnerability's presence in the administration portal suggests that successful exploitation could provide attackers with elevated privileges within the logging system, potentially enabling them to modify or delete critical log entries, thereby undermining the organization's security monitoring capabilities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic input sanitization failure where the str_log_name parameter lacks proper validation or encoding before being rendered in the web interface. When an authenticated user submits malicious input through this parameter, the application fails to implement appropriate output encoding or input validation measures that would prevent script execution. This flaw represents a fundamental security oversight in the web application's data handling procedures, where user-supplied parameters are directly incorporated into HTML output without adequate security controls. The vulnerability's exploitation requires a specific sequence involving authentication to the web portal followed by manipulation of the designated parameter during log configuration operations. Security controls such as Content Security Policy headers or proper HTML encoding of dynamic content would have prevented this vulnerability from manifesting. The lack of input validation specifically impacts the application's ability to handle potentially malicious user input, creating an environment where attackers can inject scripts that execute in the context of other authenticated users. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in security applications like SNARE Epilog because it can compromise the integrity of the security monitoring infrastructure itself. The vulnerability's classification as a persistent XSS issue means that malicious scripts can remain active for extended periods, potentially providing attackers with long-term access to the system. The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers the execution of scripts through web applications, and T1566.001, which addresses the exploitation of web application vulnerabilities for initial compromise. Organizations should consider the broader implications of this vulnerability within their security architecture, as compromised logging systems can provide attackers with insights into network activities and potentially facilitate further attacks against other systems within the organization's infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-5998 should prioritize immediate application of vendor patches or updates to address the identified XSS vulnerability. Organizations must implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application's web interface to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the future. The remediation process should include thorough code review to identify all parameters that accept user input and ensure appropriate sanitization measures are implemented. Security controls such as Content Security Policy headers should be deployed to provide additional protection against script execution in the browser context. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the scope of potential exploitation, ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to the web administration portal. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications within the organization's infrastructure. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current security patches and implementing proper security development lifecycle practices that include input validation, output encoding, and secure coding standards. Additionally, organizations should establish monitoring procedures to detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on anomalous log configuration activities. The implementation of web application firewalls and security scanning tools can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. Given that this vulnerability affects a security monitoring application, organizations should also consider the potential impact on their overall security posture and ensure that any compromised logging infrastructure is thoroughly investigated and secured. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of securing administrative interfaces and the potential consequences of failing to implement proper security controls in security-critical applications.