CVE-2018-19812 in VistaPortal SE
Summary
by MITRE
Cross Site Scripting exists in InfoVista VistaPortal SE Version 5.1 (build 51029). The page "/VPortal/mgtconsole/SubFolderPackages.jsp" has reflected XSS via the GroupId parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/19/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-19812 represents a critical cross site scripting flaw within InfoVista VistaPortal SE Version 5.1, specifically manifesting in the management console interface at the SubFolderPackages.jsp page. This reflected cross site scripting vulnerability allows malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary script code within the victim's browser context through manipulation of the GroupId parameter. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the web application's parameter handling logic, creating an attack surface where user-supplied data flows directly into the page response without proper sanitization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic reflected XSS pattern where the application fails to properly escape or encode user-controllable input before rendering it back to the browser. When the GroupId parameter is submitted to the SubFolderPackages.jsp endpoint, the application processes this input without adequate protection measures, allowing malicious payloads to be executed in the context of authenticated users. This flaw operates under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross site scripting vulnerabilities, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter. The vulnerability's exploitation potential extends beyond simple script injection to include session hijacking, credential theft, and redirection to malicious content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it compromises the integrity of the application's user interface and potentially exposes sensitive session information. An attacker can craft malicious URLs containing XSS payloads that, when clicked by authenticated users, execute malicious scripts in their browsers. This creates a persistent threat vector where legitimate users may unknowingly execute malicious code, potentially leading to unauthorized access to system resources, data exfiltration, or further compromise of the application environment. The vulnerability affects the management console functionality which typically handles administrative operations, making the potential impact even more severe.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-19812 should prioritize immediate implementation of input validation and output encoding controls. The most effective approach involves sanitizing all user-supplied input parameters through proper escaping mechanisms before rendering them in the web response. Implementing Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection against script execution, while regular input validation should be enforced at both client and server levels. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads, and conduct comprehensive security testing including dynamic application security testing to identify similar vulnerabilities. The remediation process must include thorough code review of the SubFolderPackages.jsp page and related components to ensure all parameters are properly validated and encoded, following secure coding practices and adhering to OWASP top ten recommendations for preventing cross site scripting vulnerabilities.