CVE-2018-14698 in 5N2 NAS
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting in the /DroboAccess/delete_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-2018-14698 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/delete_user endpoint, which fails to properly sanitize user input before processing it within the web interface. The vulnerability specifically manifests when an attacker manipulates the "username" URL parameter, allowing malicious JavaScript code to be injected and subsequently executed within the context of other users' browsers who visit the affected endpoint. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is classified as a fundamental web application security flaw that enables attackers to inject client-side scripts into web pages viewed by other users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to perform session hijacking, steal sensitive user credentials, redirect victims to malicious websites, or even execute arbitrary commands within the context of the victim's browser session. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges to exploit, as the vulnerability exists in a legitimate administrative endpoint that would typically be accessed by authorized users. This creates a scenario where an attacker could potentially escalate their privileges or gain unauthorized access to sensitive data stored on the NAS device. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and highlights the critical importance of implementing proper output encoding and input sanitization mechanisms within web applications.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1566 for Phishing, as attackers could leverage this flaw to deliver malicious payloads through crafted URLs or social engineering campaigns. The exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to complete compromise of the NAS device, potentially allowing attackers to access all stored data, modify user accounts, or establish persistent access through backdoor mechanisms. Organizations using Drobo 5N2 devices with the vulnerable firmware version face significant risk, particularly in environments where the NAS is accessible from untrusted networks or where administrative privileges are shared among multiple users. The vulnerability represents a classic example of why web applications must implement comprehensive security controls including proper input validation, output encoding, and regular security updates to prevent exploitation of such fundamental flaws.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate firmware updates from Drobo to address the XSS flaw, implementation of web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests, and network segmentation to limit access to the NAS device to trusted users and systems only. Security teams should also conduct thorough penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in other web applications and endpoints, while implementing proper monitoring and logging of administrative activities to detect potential exploitation attempts. The incident underscores the critical need for regular security assessments of networked devices and the importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware to protect against known vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing security awareness training to help users recognize potential phishing attempts that might leverage such vulnerabilities.