CVE-2018-1233 in RSA Authentication Agent for Web
Summary
by MITRE
RSA Authentication Agent version 8.0.1 and earlier for Web for both IIS and Apache Web Server are affected by a cross-site scripting vulnerability. The attackers could potentially exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary HTML or JavaScript code in the user's browser session in the context of the affected website.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/24/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1233 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within RSA Authentication Agent versions 8.0.1 and earlier, specifically impacting web server deployments on both Internet Information Services and Apache platforms. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the authentication agent's web interface components, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject malicious scripts into user sessions. The flaw exists in the way the application processes user-supplied data through web forms, authentication prompts, and other interactive elements that are subsequently rendered in browser contexts without adequate sanitization.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input that contains HTML or JavaScript code and submits it through the vulnerable authentication agent interface. When the application processes this input and displays it within the user's browser session, the embedded scripts execute with the privileges and context of the authenticated user. This cross-site scripting vulnerability is classified as CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications. The vulnerability affects the authentication flow of the RSA system, potentially allowing attackers to hijack user sessions, steal authentication tokens, or redirect users to malicious websites.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-1233 extends beyond simple script execution, as it fundamentally compromises the security of the authentication infrastructure. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can manipulate the authentication process, potentially gaining unauthorized access to protected systems or escalating privileges within the authenticated session. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it targets the authentication agent itself, which serves as a critical security control in multi-factor authentication environments. This vulnerability undermines the trust model of the RSA authentication system, as it allows attackers to execute code within the context of legitimate user sessions, potentially leading to full system compromise.
Organizations utilizing affected RSA Authentication Agent versions should prioritize immediate remediation through official patches provided by RSA Security. The mitigation strategy should include comprehensive web application firewall rules to detect and block suspicious input patterns, along with regular security assessments of authentication components. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and output encoding practices, as recommended by the OWASP Top Ten project and the ATT&CK framework's web application attack patterns, will help prevent similar vulnerabilities in future deployments. Network segmentation and monitoring of authentication traffic can provide additional layers of defense, while user education regarding suspicious authentication prompts and session management practices remains crucial for overall security posture improvement.