CVE-2018-19765 in VistaPortal SE
Summary
by MITRE
Cross Site Scripting exists in InfoVista VistaPortal SE Version 5.1 (build 51029). The page "EditCurrentPresentSpace.jsp" has reflected XSS via the ConnPoolName, GroupId, and ParentId parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/19/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-19765 represents a critical cross site scripting flaw within InfoVista VistaPortal SE Version 5.1, specifically manifesting in the EditCurrentPresentSpace.jsp web page. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into dynamic web content. The vulnerability affects three distinct parameters - ConnPoolName, GroupId, and ParentId - all of which are susceptible to reflected cross site scripting attacks when processed by the affected application interface.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of HTTP request parameters that are directly reflected in the web page response without proper sanitization. When an attacker crafts malicious payloads and injects them into the ConnPoolName, GroupId, or ParentId parameters, these inputs are echoed back to the user's browser without appropriate encoding or filtering. This creates an environment where malicious scripts can execute within the context of the victim's session, potentially leading to unauthorized actions, data theft, or complete session hijacking. The reflected nature of this vulnerability means that the malicious input must be delivered via a crafted link or form submission, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or social engineering attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to bypass security controls and perform actions with the privileges of authenticated users. The affected VistaPortal SE version 5.1 represents a significant risk to organizations relying on this platform for network management and monitoring operations. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to access sensitive configuration data, manipulate network resources, or establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability's presence in the EditCurrentPresentSpace.jsp page suggests potential access to core network management functions, which could compromise the integrity and confidentiality of network operations.
Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms to address this vulnerability, aligning with industry best practices outlined in CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross site scripting flaws. The mitigation strategy should include implementing strict parameter validation for all user-supplied inputs, applying proper HTML encoding to dynamic content, and establishing robust application-level security controls. Additionally, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which covers script injection, and represents a clear example of how insufficient input sanitization can lead to privilege escalation and persistent access within network environments. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls and regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities across their network management infrastructure.