CVE-2018-18875 in MicroServer
Summary
by MITRE
In firmware version MS_2.6.9900 of Columbia Weather MicroServer, a stored Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability allows remote authenticated users to inject arbitrary web script via changestationname.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/06/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-18875 resides within the firmware version MS_2.6.9900 of the Columbia Weather MicroServer device, representing a critical security flaw that compromises the integrity of web-based administrative interfaces. This stored cross-site scripting vulnerability specifically affects the changestationname.php endpoint, which serves as a critical interface for managing station name configurations within the weather monitoring system. The flaw enables authenticated attackers to inject malicious script code that persists within the application's data storage, making it particularly dangerous as the malicious content executes whenever the affected page is accessed by any user with appropriate privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the web application layer of the weather server firmware. When administrators or authorized users modify station names through the changestationname.php interface, the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before storing it in the backend database or configuration files. This insufficient sanitization creates an environment where malicious scripts can be embedded within station name parameters and subsequently executed in the context of other users' browsers when they access the affected application components. The vulnerability operates under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-site Scripting flaws, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.005 for command and scripting interpreter, as the injected scripts can potentially leverage the compromised session to execute further malicious activities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with a foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the weather monitoring infrastructure. An authenticated attacker with access to the administrative interface can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code within the browser context of other administrators, potentially leading to session hijacking, privilege escalation, or data exfiltration from the weather monitoring system. The persistent nature of stored XSS means that the malicious scripts remain active until manually removed from the system, creating a long-term security risk that could be exploited by multiple users over extended periods. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations relying on weather monitoring systems for critical infrastructure operations, where the compromise of administrative interfaces could lead to unauthorized access to environmental data collection and system configuration capabilities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate firmware updates from the vendor to address the specific XSS implementation flaws within the changestationname.php component. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to the weather server administrative interfaces, ensuring that only authorized personnel can reach the vulnerable endpoints. Input validation controls should be strengthened at multiple layers including web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious script patterns in station name parameters. Additionally, implementing strict access controls and monitoring for unusual administrative activities can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include thorough input sanitization of all user-supplied data, proper output encoding for web contexts, and comprehensive security testing of web application components before deployment. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools that can identify similar stored XSS patterns within their network infrastructure, particularly in legacy embedded systems that may contain similar unsanitized input handling mechanisms.