CVE-2018-19089 in tianti
Summary
by MITRE
tianti 2.3 has stored XSS in the userlist module via the tianti-module-admin/user/ajax/save_role name parameter, which is mishandled in tianti-module-admin\src\main\webapp\WEB-INF\views\user\user_list.jsp.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/05/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-19089 represents a stored cross-site scripting flaw within the tianti 2.3 content management system, specifically affecting the userlist module. This security weakness resides in the administrative interface where user role information is managed through the ajax/save_role endpoint. The flaw manifests when the name parameter is processed without proper input validation or output encoding, creating a persistent XSS vector that can affect multiple users who interact with the compromised interface.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied data within the user_list.jsp template file located in the administrative web application module. When administrators or users with appropriate privileges access the user management interface, the maliciously crafted name parameter containing XSS payloads gets stored in the application's database and subsequently rendered in the user list view without proper HTML escaping or context-appropriate encoding. This stored nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious script executes each time the affected page is loaded, making it particularly dangerous for administrative interfaces where privileged users frequently interact with the system.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to the tianti 2.3 system's security posture. Attackers who can submit malicious input through the affected parameter can execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or privilege escalation. The vulnerability specifically targets the administrative module, which typically contains sensitive user information and system management capabilities. According to CWE-79, this represents a classic stored XSS vulnerability where user-controllable data is directly embedded into web pages without adequate validation or encoding, creating a persistent security risk.
The attack surface for this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks within the ATT&CK framework's credential access and persistence phases. An attacker could potentially use this vulnerability to steal administrator sessions, modify user permissions, or redirect users to malicious sites. The stored nature of the XSS means that even users who do not immediately interact with the compromised page can be affected, as the malicious code persists in the database and executes whenever the affected interface is accessed. Organizations using tianti 2.3 should consider implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout their web applications to prevent similar vulnerabilities. The recommended mitigations include implementing proper parameter validation, employing context-appropriate output encoding, and conducting regular security testing to identify and remediate stored XSS vulnerabilities in web applications.
This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure input handling in administrative web interfaces where privileged users interact with sensitive data. The flaw highlights how seemingly simple parameter handling can create persistent security risks that affect multiple users and potentially compromise entire systems. Organizations should implement defense-in-depth strategies including web application firewalls, regular security assessments, and secure coding practices to prevent such vulnerabilities from being exploited in production environments. The remediation process should involve thorough code review of all user input handling mechanisms, particularly in administrative modules where the potential impact of XSS attacks is highest.