CVE-2018-14697 in 5N2 NAS
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting in the /DroboAccess/enable_user endpoint in Drobo 5N2 NAS version 4.0.5-13.28.96115 allows attackers to execute JavaScript via the username URL parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/16/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-14697 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Drobo 5N2 Network Attached Storage device running firmware version 4.0.5-13.28.96115. This security weakness resides in the /DroboAccess/enable_user endpoint, which serves as an administrative interface for user management operations. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the system fails to properly sanitize user input provided through the username URL parameter, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of a victim's browser session. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate the application's behavior and potentially compromise user sessions or execute unauthorized actions on behalf of authenticated users.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding practices within the web application layer of the Drobo NAS system. When the application processes the username parameter without proper sanitization, it allows malicious payloads to be stored or directly executed within the browser environment. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-79, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in web applications. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it targets the administrative endpoint of a network storage device, potentially providing attackers with elevated privileges and access to sensitive data stored on the NAS system. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it operates within a legitimate administrative interface, making it more difficult to detect and potentially allowing for stealthy exploitation.
The operational consequences of this vulnerability extend beyond simple script execution, as it enables a range of malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and unauthorized administrative access to the NAS system. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to inject malicious scripts that would persistently execute in the browser of any user who visits the affected endpoint, potentially compromising multiple user sessions and leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the network storage system, as unauthorized parties could gain access to stored data, modify system configurations, or disrupt normal operations. Additionally, this flaw creates potential for lateral movement within networks where the NAS system serves as a critical data repository, making it a valuable target for attackers seeking to establish persistent access to enterprise environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-14697 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Drobo to address the identified XSS vulnerability. Organizations should implement proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent malicious payloads from being executed within the application context. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of administrative endpoints to untrusted networks. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection against script injection attacks, while regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other network services. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers scripting through web shells, and demonstrates the importance of proper web application security controls in preventing unauthorized access to critical network infrastructure components.