CVE-2018-19142 in Open Ticket Request System
Summary
by MITRE
Open Ticket Request System (OTRS) 6.0.x before 6.0.13 allows an admin to conduct an XSS attack via a modified URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/11/2020
The Open Ticket Request System OTRS version 6.0.x prior to 6.0.13 contains a cross-site scripting vulnerability that enables administrative users to execute malicious scripts through manipulated URL parameters. This vulnerability resides within the application's input validation mechanisms, specifically in how it processes and renders user-supplied URL data. The flaw represents a classic server-side input sanitization failure where the system fails to properly escape or validate URL parameters before incorporating them into dynamic web content. Security researchers identified that when administrators navigate to certain administrative pages with crafted URL parameters, the application directly reflects these inputs without adequate sanitization, creating an opportunity for attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper output encoding practices within the OTRS administrative interface. When administrators access specific management pages with modified URL parameters, the system does not adequately filter or escape special characters that could be interpreted as HTML or JavaScript code. This weakness allows attackers to craft malicious URLs that, when clicked by an administrator, execute arbitrary scripts within the context of the administrator's browser session. The vulnerability specifically affects the administrative components of the system where URL parameters are used to determine page content or navigation paths, making it particularly dangerous as it targets privileged users with elevated system access rights.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for more sophisticated attacks. An attacker who can manipulate administrative users into clicking a malicious URL gains the ability to perform actions within the administrative context, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability enables session hijacking, data exfiltration, and privilege escalation attacks that could allow unauthorized access to sensitive customer information, system configurations, and administrative controls. This risk is particularly elevated in environments where administrators frequently access the system through web browsers, as the attack vector requires minimal user interaction beyond clicking a malicious link, making it suitable for phishing campaigns or social engineering attacks.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to OTRS version 6.0.13 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the XSS vulnerability. Additionally, administrators should review and implement proper input validation and output encoding practices throughout the application, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly sanitized before being rendered in web pages. Network-based mitigations such as web application firewalls can provide additional protection layers, though these should not replace proper application-level fixes. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 Cross-site Scripting and follows ATT&CK technique T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, demonstrating how attackers can leverage administrative privileges to execute malicious code. Security teams should also conduct regular security assessments of web applications to identify similar input validation weaknesses and ensure proper implementation of security controls such as Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution capabilities.