CVE-2018-13359 in TerraMaster TOS
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting in usertable.php in TerraMaster TOS version 3.1.03 allows attackers to execute JavaScript via the "modgroup" parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-13359 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw located within the usertable.php component of TerraMaster TOS version 3.1.03. This issue resides in the web application's user management interface where the "modgroup" parameter fails to properly sanitize user input, creating an avenue for malicious code execution. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities, making it a direct descendant of the well-known web application security weakness that has plagued countless systems over the years.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious payload containing JavaScript code and injects it through the modgroup parameter in the usertable.php script. When the application processes this parameter without adequate input validation or output encoding, the malicious script gets executed within the context of other users' browsers who view the affected page. This type of vulnerability operates under the principle that the application trusts user input implicitly, failing to implement proper security controls to prevent the execution of untrusted code. The attack vector specifically targets the application's failure to implement input sanitization mechanisms, which is a fundamental security practice that should be enforced at all input points.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to compromise user sessions, steal sensitive information, manipulate data, or redirect users to malicious websites. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can potentially access user accounts, modify user permissions, or even escalate privileges within the system. The consequences are particularly severe in a network-attached storage environment like TerraMaster TOS, where users may have elevated privileges and access to critical data. This vulnerability could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to stored files, modify system configurations, or establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should encompass multiple layers of defense including immediate patching of the affected TerraMaster TOS version to address the input validation deficiency. Security teams should implement proper input sanitization techniques such as output encoding, parameter validation, and the use of secure coding practices that prevent the execution of untrusted input. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection against script execution, while regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to monitor and filter malicious requests targeting known attack patterns. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-79 emphasizes the need for comprehensive security training for developers to understand proper input handling and output encoding techniques. This issue also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213 which covers credential access through web application vulnerabilities, highlighting the potential for attackers to leverage such flaws for broader system compromise beyond simple script execution.