CVE-2018-14906 in 3CX
Summary
by MITRE
The Web server in 3CX version 15.5.8801.3 is vulnerable to Reflected XSS on all stack traces' propertyPath parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/13/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-14906 affects the 3CX Web server component version 15.5.8801.3, specifically targeting reflected cross-site scripting flaws within stack trace propertyPath parameters. This issue represents a critical security weakness that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web applications through user-supplied input fields that are not properly sanitized or validated. The vulnerability manifests when the web server processes error stack traces that contain user-controllable data in the propertyPath parameter, creating an environment where malicious code can be executed in the context of authenticated users' browsers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the 3CX web server's error handling procedures. When the system encounters an error condition, it generates stack traces that include propertyPath parameters which contain raw user input without proper sanitization. This creates an ideal scenario for reflected cross-site scripting attacks where attackers can craft malicious URLs containing script payloads that get executed when users navigate to error pages or when stack trace information is displayed to authenticated users. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically targets the web interface components of the 3CX phone system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform session hijacking, steal user credentials, redirect users to malicious sites, or manipulate the application's functionality. Given that 3CX systems are commonly used for business communications, the exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive corporate communications, voice mail systems, and contact information. The reflected nature of the attack means that users must be tricked into clicking malicious links, but once executed, the scripts can operate with the privileges of the authenticated user, potentially leading to full system compromise. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through spearphishing attachments or links.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-14906 should prioritize immediate patching of the 3CX web server component to the latest available version that addresses this specific vulnerability. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout their web applications, particularly when handling error messages and stack trace information. Web application firewalls can provide additional protection by filtering suspicious input patterns, while proper HTTP headers including Content Security Policy can limit the execution scope of malicious scripts. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the 3CX infrastructure, and user education programs should be implemented to recognize and avoid suspicious links that could exploit this or similar vulnerabilities. The remediation process should also include monitoring for any exploitation attempts and maintaining detailed audit logs of system access and error conditions to detect potential attacks targeting this specific weakness.