CVE-2018-16166 in LogonTracer
Summary
by MITRE
LogonTracer 1.2.0 and earlier allows remote attackers to conduct XML External Entity (XXE) attacks via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/23/2023
LogonTracer version 1.2.0 and earlier contains a critical vulnerability that enables remote attackers to execute XML External Entity attacks through unspecified vectors within the application's processing of XML data. This vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-611, which specifically addresses Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference, and represents a significant security flaw that could allow attackers to access sensitive system resources or perform unauthorized operations. The XXE vulnerability occurs when the application processes XML input without proper validation or sanitization of external entity references, creating an attack surface that can be exploited to retrieve arbitrary files, perform server-side request forgery attacks, or even execute command injections depending on the underlying system configuration.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it represents a fundamental flaw in how the application handles structured data input. Attackers can leverage this weakness to manipulate the application's XML parser behavior, potentially gaining access to internal system files, network resources, or sensitive data stored within the application's environment. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it an attractive target for automated scanning tools and malicious actors seeking to compromise systems. The attack surface is broad since XML processing is commonly used for configuration files, data exchange, and communication protocols within enterprise applications, meaning that a single vulnerable component could potentially impact multiple system functions.
Security practitioners should consider this vulnerability in the context of the ATT&CK framework under the technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as XXE attacks can often lead to command execution on vulnerable systems. The vulnerability also relates to T1041 for Exfiltration Over C2 Channel, as attackers may use XXE to establish data exfiltration paths. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation of all XML data, disabling external entity processing in XML parsers, and restricting network access to affected components. The recommended approach involves configuring XML parsers to reject external entity declarations and using secure parsing libraries that prevent XXE attacks by default. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring for unusual XML processing patterns can help detect exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other components of the application stack, as XXE vulnerabilities often occur in multiple locations within complex software systems. The remediation process requires updating to LogonTracer version 1.2.1 or later, where the XXE vulnerability has been addressed through proper XML input validation and secure parsing mechanisms.