CVE-2018-16654 in Zurmo
Summary
by MITRE
Zurmo 3.2.4 Stable allows XSS via app/index.php/accounts/default/details?id=2&kanbanBoard=1&openToTaskId=1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-16654 affects Zurmo 3.2.4 Stable, a customer relationship management platform that is susceptible to cross-site scripting attacks through a specific parameter injection flaw. This vulnerability resides within the application's handling of URL parameters, specifically within the accounts/default/details endpoint where the kanbanBoard and openToTaskId parameters are processed without adequate input sanitization or output encoding. The flaw enables malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into the application's response, which executes in the context of authenticated users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, data exfiltration, or privilege escalation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation and sanitization of user-supplied input within the web application's parameter processing logic. When the application receives the kanbanBoard and openToTaskId parameters through the URL, it fails to properly encode or validate these inputs before incorporating them into the HTML response. This lack of proper input validation creates an opportunity for attackers to inject malicious scripts that can execute within the victim's browser context. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which describes cross-site scripting flaws where untrusted data is incorporated into web pages without proper sanitization, making it a classic example of insecure data handling in web applications. The specific attack vector involves manipulating the URL parameters to include malicious JavaScript payloads that get rendered in the browser.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable sophisticated attacks that compromise the integrity and confidentiality of the affected system. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to steal user sessions, modify account settings, access sensitive customer data, or even escalate privileges within the application. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects a CRM platform where users likely have access to sensitive business information, making it a prime target for data breach attacks. The attack requires minimal sophistication as it operates through standard URL manipulation techniques, making it accessible to attackers with basic web application exploitation knowledge. This vulnerability can be classified under the ATT&CK framework as part of the Execution technique category, specifically targeting the web application layer through injection methods.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application's parameter processing pipeline. The most effective immediate fix involves sanitizing all user-supplied input parameters before incorporating them into HTML output, particularly for parameters like kanbanBoard and openToTaskId that are processed in the vulnerable endpoint. Organizations should implement proper HTML encoding for all dynamic content rendered in web pages to prevent script execution. Additionally, the application should enforce strict input validation rules that reject malformed or potentially malicious parameters. Regular security code reviews and automated vulnerability scanning should be implemented to identify similar issues across the application codebase. The fix should also include implementing Content Security Policy headers to add an additional layer of protection against XSS attacks, ensuring that even if malicious code is injected, it cannot execute due to policy restrictions. This vulnerability highlights the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation in web applications, particularly in business-critical systems such as CRM platforms where user data protection is paramount.