CVE-2017-9037 in ServerProtect for Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in Trend Micro ServerProtect for Linux 3.0 before CP 1531 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) S44, (2) S5, (3) S_action_fail, (4) S_ptn_update, (5) T113, (6) T114, (7) T115, (8) T117117, (9) T118, (10) T_action_fail, (11) T_ptn_update, (12) textarea, (13) textfield5, or (14) tmLastConfigFileModifiedDate parameter to notification.cgi.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2017-9037 represents a critical cross-site scripting weakness affecting Trend Micro ServerProtect for Linux version 3.0 prior to CP 1531. This flaw resides in the notification.cgi script which processes multiple HTTP parameters, creating numerous attack vectors for remote adversaries. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the web interface components of the security software, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of authenticated users' browsers. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they can be exploited by attackers who do not require elevated privileges to compromise the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of user-supplied input through various parameters including S44, S5, S_action_fail, S_ptn_update, T113, T114, T115, T117117, T118, T_action_fail, T_ptn_update, textarea, textfield5, and tmLastConfigFileModifiedDate. These parameters are processed by the notification.cgi script without adequate sanitization measures, enabling attackers to craft malicious payloads that exploit the XSS vulnerability. The flaw falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1211 which covers exploitation of web application vulnerabilities. The attack surface is expanded by the fact that multiple parameters are affected, increasing the probability of successful exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can lead to complete session hijacking, credential theft, and potential lateral movement within the network. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain access to sensitive system information, manipulate security configurations, or redirect users to malicious websites. The attack requires no authentication to initiate, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the ServerProtect management interface is accessible to untrusted users. The vulnerability could enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands in the context of the victim's browser, potentially leading to full compromise of the affected system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9037 should prioritize immediate patching of the Trend Micro ServerProtect software to version CP 1531 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to the ServerProtect management interface, ensuring that only authorized personnel can reach these administrative functions. Input validation should be strengthened at all entry points, with proper encoding and sanitization of user-supplied data before processing. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious parameter values in web requests, and web application firewalls should be configured to block known malicious patterns. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other applications and systems within the organization's infrastructure.