CVE-2018-17289 in Front Office Server
Summary
by MITRE
An XML external entity (XXE) vulnerability in Kofax Front Office Server Administration Console version 4.1.1.11.0.5212 allows remote authenticated users to read arbitrary files via crafted XML inside an imported package configuration (.ZIP file) within the Kofax/KFS/Admin/PackageService/package/upload file parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/04/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-17289 represents a critical XML external entity flaw within the Kofax Front Office Server Administration Console version 4.1.1.11.0.5212. This issue falls under the CWE-611 weakness category, specifically addressing insecure XML processing mechanisms that permit unauthorized access to system resources. The vulnerability exists in the package upload functionality where the application fails to properly validate and sanitize XML content within imported package configurations. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious XML data within a .ZIP file that gets processed through the Kofax/KFS/Admin/PackageService/package/upload endpoint, allowing them to leverage the XXE vulnerability for arbitrary file access.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to possess valid authentication credentials to access the administration console, making it a remote authenticated threat vector. When a maliciously crafted ZIP file containing specially constructed XML entities is uploaded through the package service endpoint, the application processes the XML without adequate sanitization measures. The XXE vulnerability allows attackers to reference external entities that can be configured to read local files on the server filesystem. This particular implementation flaw demonstrates poor input validation and inadequate XML parser configuration, where external entity resolution is not properly restricted or disabled. The vulnerability specifically targets the package import functionality, which is a legitimate administrative feature that should never be used to access arbitrary system files.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-17289 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially enable attackers to access sensitive configuration files, database credentials, application source code, or other critical system resources. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and can lead to complete system compromise if the application has elevated permissions. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it leverages legitimate administrative functionality, making detection more difficult and potentially allowing attackers to maintain persistence within the environment. Organizations using Kofax Front Office Server may experience unauthorized data access, system reconnaissance, and potential lateral movement opportunities if this vulnerability is exploited.
Security mitigations for CVE-2018-17289 should focus on implementing strict XML parser configurations that disable external entity resolution entirely. Organizations should ensure that the Kofax Front Office Server is updated to the latest available version that contains proper XXE protection mechanisms. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit administrative access to the console, reducing the attack surface. Input validation should be strengthened at multiple layers including application-level XML parsing, file type validation, and content inspection of uploaded packages. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1566.001 - Phishing with Malicious File, but the actual exploitation technique falls more closely aligned with T1059.001 - Command and Scripting Interpreter through file upload mechanisms. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should include validation of XML processing functions to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future development cycles.