CVE-2018-13331 in TerraMaster TOS
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting in Control Panel in TerraMaster TOS version 3.1.03 allows attackers to execute JavaScript when viewing users by placing JavaScript in their usernames.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/15/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-13331 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Control Panel interface of TerraMaster TOS version 3.1.03 operating system. This security weakness resides in the user management functionality where the system fails to properly sanitize user input when displaying usernames within the control panel interface. The flaw enables attackers to inject malicious javascript code into username fields, which then executes in the context of other users' browsers when they view the user list or related administrative interfaces. This type of vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities where input data is not properly validated or sanitized before being rendered to end users. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires minimal privileges to exploit, making it accessible to any authenticated user within the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the TerraMaster TOS control panel. When users are displayed in the administrative interface, the system directly incorporates username data into the HTML output without proper sanitization or encoding of special characters that could be interpreted as javascript code. This failure to implement proper context-aware output encoding creates an environment where attacker-controlled input can be executed as script within the browser context of other users. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of defense-in-depth measures where input validation should occur at multiple layers including the application interface, database storage, and output rendering phases. The flaw particularly affects the user management and administrative monitoring components of the system where user data is displayed to authorized personnel.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it provides attackers with the capability to perform session hijacking, steal administrative credentials, and potentially escalate privileges within the TerraMaster environment. An attacker who successfully injects malicious javascript code can manipulate the control panel interface to redirect users to phishing sites, capture session cookies, or even modify user permissions. The attack can be particularly damaging in enterprise environments where TerraMaster devices serve as network storage solutions and administrators frequently access the control panel to manage users and system resources. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which describes the use of script-based commands to execute malicious code, and T1566 which covers social engineering attacks through malicious content. The risk is amplified by the fact that this vulnerability affects the core administrative interface where users with elevated privileges are most likely to interact with the system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-13331 should include immediate implementation of proper input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms across all user-facing interfaces within the TerraMaster TOS system. Organizations should implement strict validation of all username inputs to prevent the inclusion of javascript code or other malicious payloads through regular expressions and character filtering. The system should employ context-aware output encoding to ensure that all user data is properly escaped when rendered in HTML contexts. Additionally, the implementation of a Content Security Policy (CSP) header can provide an additional layer of protection against unauthorized script execution. System administrators should also consider implementing input length limits and character set restrictions for username fields to reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security updates and patch management, as TerraMaster TOS version 3.1.03 appears to contain this flaw that was likely addressed in subsequent releases. Organizations should also conduct thorough security testing of administrative interfaces to identify similar input validation vulnerabilities and implement comprehensive logging and monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. The remediation process should follow established security frameworks such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines to ensure comprehensive protection against similar cross-site scripting vulnerabilities.