CVE-2018-12355 in SpagoBI
Summary
by MITRE
Knowage (formerly SpagoBI) 6.1.1 allows XSS via the name or description field to the "Olap Schemas' Catalogue" catalogue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/19/2020
The vulnerability CVE-2018-12355 represents a cross-site scripting flaw in Knowage version 6.1.1, formerly known as SpagoBI, which affects the Olap Schemas' Catalogue functionality. This issue stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the web application's user interface components. The vulnerability specifically targets the name and description fields of the Olap Schemas' Catalogue, which are exposed to user input without proper sanitization. When users interact with these fields, malicious scripts can be injected and subsequently executed in the context of other users' browsers who view the affected content.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of input parameters within the name and description fields of the Olap Schemas' Catalogue module. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that contain script tags or other malicious code within these fields, which are then stored in the application's database. When other users access the catalogue or view the schema details, their browsers execute the injected scripts, potentially leading to unauthorized actions such as session hijacking, data exfiltration, or redirection to malicious websites. The vulnerability falls under CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through spearphishing attachments or links.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges within the application's security model. Depending on the user roles and permissions within Knowage, successful exploitation could allow attackers to access sensitive data, modify or delete Olap schemas, and potentially gain access to underlying data sources. The vulnerability affects the application's integrity and confidentiality, as it allows unauthorized parties to inject malicious code that can persist across user sessions. The impact is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where Knowage serves as a business intelligence platform, as it could compromise the security of analytical data and reporting systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-12355 should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application's data handling pipeline. Organizations should apply the vendor's official security patches and updates immediately upon release, as Knowage 6.1.1 was vulnerable to this specific flaw. Input sanitization should include strict validation of all user-supplied data, particularly in fields that are rendered in web interfaces. Output encoding should be implemented using context-appropriate encoding mechanisms such as HTML entity encoding for web page content. Additionally, implementing a content security policy that restricts script execution and employs proper CORS headers can provide defense-in-depth measures against exploitation. Regular security assessments and web application firewalls should be deployed to monitor for suspicious activities and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in web applications and aligns with security best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten 2017 and NIST SP 800-53 controls related to input validation and output encoding.