CVE-2018-10803 in Netflow Analyzer
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the add credentials functionality in Zoho ManageEngine NetFlow Analyzer v12.3 before 12.3.125 (build 123125) allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a crafted description value. This can be exploited through CSRF.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/04/2020
The vulnerability CVE-2018-10803 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in Zoho ManageEngine NetFlow Analyzer version 12.3 before 12.3.125. This vulnerability specifically targets the add credentials functionality within the network monitoring application, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute malicious web scripts or HTML code. The flaw exists due to inadequate input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data, particularly when processing description values during credential addition operations. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79 as a failure to sanitize input, making it susceptible to various forms of XSS exploitation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a crafted description value that bypasses the application's security controls. When an attacker submits malicious input containing script tags or other HTML elements through the credentials addition interface, the application fails to properly sanitize or escape this content before rendering it in the user's browser. This allows the malicious code to execute in the context of the victim's session, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or other malicious activities. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be leveraged through CSRF attacks, where attackers can trick authenticated users into submitting malicious requests without their knowledge. This combination of XSS and CSRF vulnerabilities creates a significant threat vector that can compromise user sessions and potentially lead to full system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities within the compromised user's browser context. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to steal session cookies, capture user credentials, redirect users to malicious websites, or even perform actions on behalf of authenticated users within the NetFlow Analyzer application. The severity is amplified by the fact that the vulnerability affects a core administrative function, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges or gain unauthorized access to network monitoring data. Organizations using this version of NetFlow Analyzer face significant risks, particularly in environments where network administrators have elevated privileges and access to sensitive network information.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on applying the vendor's official patch released in version 12.3.125, which addresses the input validation and sanitization issues in the add credentials functionality. Organizations should immediately upgrade to the patched version to eliminate the XSS vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and output encoding measures can provide defense-in-depth protection against similar vulnerabilities. Security controls should include implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution, regular security testing of web applications, and monitoring for suspicious user activities. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to OWASP Top Ten security guidelines, particularly those related to input validation and output encoding. Organizations should conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify and remediate similar issues in their network monitoring and management tools. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing comprehensive security controls in network infrastructure management applications.