CVE-2017-7437 in Privileged Account Manager
Summary
by MITRE
NetIQ Privileged Account Manager before 3.1 Patch Update 3 allowed cross site scripting attacks via the "type" and "account" parameters of json requests.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/16/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-7437 affects NetIQ Privileged Account Manager versions prior to 3.1 Patch Update 3, representing a critical cross site scripting flaw that undermines the security posture of privileged account management systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the json request handling mechanism within the application, where the "type" and "account" parameters fail to properly sanitize user input before processing. The flaw enables attackers to inject malicious scripts into the application's response, potentially compromising the integrity of the privileged account management environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of json request parameters, where the application does not adequately validate or escape input data before incorporating it into dynamic responses. When the "type" and "account" parameters contain malicious script code, the application processes these inputs without proper sanitization, allowing the injected scripts to execute in the context of the victim's browser. This represents a classic cross site scripting vulnerability that falls under CWE-79, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of input during web page generation, and is categorized as a server-side vulnerability that can be leveraged for session hijacking, data theft, or further privilege escalation attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to compromise privileged accounts within the NetIQ environment, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive systems and data. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute malicious code in the context of authenticated users, making it particularly dangerous for privileged account management systems where elevated privileges are involved. The vulnerability creates opportunities for attackers to perform actions such as stealing session cookies, modifying account configurations, or accessing restricted administrative functions. This weakness can be exploited through various attack vectors including phishing campaigns, compromised user sessions, or direct web-based exploitation, making it a significant concern for organizations relying on NetIQ for privileged account management.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including applying the available patch update 3 for NetIQ Privileged Account Manager version 3.1, which addresses the input validation and sanitization issues in the json request handling. Additionally, implementing proper input validation frameworks, output encoding mechanisms, and regular security testing can help prevent similar vulnerabilities. The mitigation strategy should align with ATT&CK framework tactic TA0001, which addresses initial access through web application attacks, and TA0006, which covers credential access through session hijacking and privilege escalation techniques. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious json request patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to ensure the continued effectiveness of these controls and to identify any related vulnerabilities within the broader privileged account management ecosystem.