CVE-2018-12299 in NAS OS
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting in filebrowser in Seagate NAS OS version 4.3.15.1 allows attackers to execute JavaScript via uploaded file names.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/15/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-12299 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the filebrowser component of Seagate NAS OS version 4.3.15.1. This issue stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data, particularly file names uploaded to the system. The vulnerability exists in the web interface's handling of file metadata, where uploaded file names are directly reflected in the user interface without adequate sanitization, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of other users' browser sessions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of file name parameters during the upload process. When an attacker uploads a file with a specially crafted name containing malicious javascript code, the system fails to properly encode or escape this input before displaying it in the web interface. This allows the malicious script to execute in the victim's browser context, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or further exploitation of the network. The vulnerability specifically affects the filebrowser functionality which displays file names and metadata, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to establish persistent access or conduct more sophisticated attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to compromise entire networked environments where the NAS device serves as a central storage point. The attacker can leverage this weakness to steal authentication tokens, access sensitive data, or use the compromised system as a pivot point for attacking other networked devices. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the NAS system by allowing unauthorized code execution, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Given that NAS devices often store critical business data and may be accessible from multiple network segments, this vulnerability poses significant risk to enterprise security posture.
Security mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms. Organizations should ensure that all user-supplied data, particularly file names and metadata, are properly sanitized before being rendered in web interfaces. The implementation of content security policies and proper HTML encoding techniques can prevent the execution of malicious scripts. Additionally, system administrators should immediately update to patched versions of Seagate NAS OS, disable unnecessary file upload functionality where possible, and implement network segmentation to limit potential attack surface. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which describes cross-site scripting flaws, and represents a classic example of how insufficient input sanitization can lead to severe security consequences. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this under T1059.007 for scripting and T1078 for valid accounts, as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access and execute commands within the compromised environment.