CVE-2018-14929 in Matera Banco
Summary
by MITRE
Matera Banco 1.0.0 is vulnerable to multiple reflected XSS, as demonstrated by the /contingency/web/index.jsp (aka home page) url parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/13/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-14929 affects Matera Banco version 1.0.0 and represents a critical security flaw in the web application's input validation mechanisms. This issue manifests as multiple reflected cross-site scripting vulnerabilities that specifically target the /contingency/web/index.jsp endpoint, where the url parameter serves as the primary attack vector. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into web page responses, creating an environment where malicious actors can inject arbitrary script code that executes in the context of other users' browsers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which categorizes cross-site scripting flaws as weaknesses in input validation and output encoding. When an attacker crafts a malicious URL containing script code within the url parameter and convinces a victim to click the link, the application processes this input without adequate sanitization and reflects the malicious payload back to the victim's browser. This reflected nature means the attack does not require persistent storage of the malicious script, making it particularly dangerous as it can be delivered through phishing emails, social media links, or compromised websites. The vulnerability impacts the application's authentication and session management mechanisms, potentially allowing attackers to hijack user sessions, steal sensitive information, or perform unauthorized actions on behalf of legitimate users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the banking application's environment. Given that this affects a banking application, the consequences could include unauthorized access to customer accounts, financial transaction manipulation, data exfiltration, and credential theft. The reflected XSS vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited repeatedly, as each interaction with the vulnerable endpoint presents an opportunity for attack. The attack surface is particularly concerning in financial applications where users trust the system with sensitive personal and financial data, making this vulnerability a significant risk to both individual users and the institution's overall security posture.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-14929 should prioritize immediate implementation of input validation and output encoding controls as recommended by OWASP and the ATT&CK framework's T1059.1 technique for command and scripting interpreter. The application should implement strict validation of all input parameters, particularly those used in URL query strings, and employ proper HTML encoding when rendering user-supplied content in web responses. Organizations should also deploy web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads, implement content security policies to restrict script execution, and conduct regular security testing including dynamic application security testing. Additionally, the application should be updated to a patched version of Matera Banco that addresses this vulnerability, as the original version 1.0.0 appears to lack proper security controls for preventing reflected XSS attacks. Security teams should also establish monitoring procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts and implement comprehensive user education regarding the risks of clicking suspicious links. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and input sanitization in financial applications, where even seemingly minor flaws can lead to significant security breaches and regulatory compliance violations.