CVE-2017-8139 in HedEx
Summary
by MITRE
HedEx Earlier than V200R006C00 versions have the stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability. Attackers can exploit the vulnerability to plant malicious scripts into the configuration file to interrupt the services of legitimate users.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2023
The HedEx system version 200R006C00 and earlier contains a critical stored cross-site scripting vulnerability that represents a significant security risk for network infrastructure deployments. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, specifically classified as a stored XSS flaw where malicious scripts are permanently embedded within the system's configuration files. The vulnerability exists due to insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the HedEx configuration management interface, allowing unauthorized attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code that persists across user sessions and system operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when attackers manipulate the system's configuration parameters through the web interface or API endpoints, injecting malicious script payloads that get stored in the system's configuration database. These stored scripts execute automatically whenever legitimate users access the affected system interfaces, particularly during configuration viewing or management operations. The attack vector typically involves crafting specially formatted input that bypasses existing validation controls, then submitting this input through the system's configuration management functions where the malicious code gets persisted and executed in the context of other users' browsers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution to encompass potential service disruption, data compromise, and unauthorized access to sensitive system information. When legitimate users interact with the compromised system, their browsers execute the stored malicious scripts, which could redirect them to phishing sites, steal session cookies, or perform unauthorized actions on their behalf. The service interruption aspect of this vulnerability is particularly concerning as it can render system management interfaces unusable or cause cascading failures when the malicious scripts interfere with normal system operations. The vulnerability affects the availability and integrity of the HedEx system, potentially leading to complete service outages during exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for this stored XSS vulnerability should encompass multiple layers of defense including immediate patching to version 200R006C00 or later, implementation of robust input validation and output encoding controls, and deployment of web application firewalls to detect and block malicious script injection attempts. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their HedEx deployments to identify all affected versions and implement proper access controls to limit configuration modification privileges. The remediation process should also include regular security monitoring and log analysis to detect potential exploitation attempts, along with user education to prevent accidental interaction with malicious payloads. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter usage, and represents a significant risk for maintaining system availability and user data integrity in enterprise network environments.