CVE-2017-9292 in Lansweeper
Summary
by MITRE
Lansweeper before 6.0.0.65 has XSS in an image retrieval URI, aka Bug 542782.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9292 affects Lansweeper versions prior to 6.0.0.65 and represents a cross-site scripting flaw within the image retrieval functionality of the application. This issue manifests in the URI handling mechanism when processing image requests, creating a potential attack vector that could be exploited by malicious actors to execute arbitrary scripts in the context of a victim's browser. The vulnerability specifically impacts the image retrieval component that processes user-supplied parameters in the URI, allowing attackers to inject malicious payloads that persist and execute when images are rendered or accessed by legitimate users.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding within the image handling module of Lansweeper. When the application processes image retrieval requests through URIs containing user-controllable parameters, it fails to properly sanitize or escape special characters that could be interpreted as executable code. This weakness directly aligns with CWE-79, which defines cross-site scripting as a code injection vulnerability where malicious scripts are executed in the victim's browser. The flaw exists in the application's failure to implement proper input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms, creating an environment where attacker-controlled data can be interpreted as executable instructions rather than benign input.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration. An attacker could craft malicious URIs that, when accessed by administrators or other privileged users, would execute scripts capable of stealing cookies, capturing keystrokes, or redirecting users to phishing sites. The vulnerability's presence in the image retrieval functionality makes it particularly dangerous as it could be exploited through various attack vectors including email phishing campaigns, compromised web pages, or even through social engineering tactics that encourage users to click on seemingly benign image links. This type of vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers social engineering attacks that leverage user trust to deliver malicious payloads.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9292 should prioritize immediate patching of Lansweeper installations to version 6.0.0.65 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the XSS vulnerability. Organizations should also implement additional defensive measures including input validation at multiple layers, output encoding of all user-supplied data, and the implementation of content security policies to restrict script execution. Network administrators should monitor for suspicious URI patterns and implement web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious payload injection attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper input validation and output encoding in web applications, particularly in components that handle user-supplied data such as image retrieval systems. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components, ensuring comprehensive protection against cross-site scripting attacks that could compromise system integrity and user data confidentiality.