CVE-2018-19814 in VistaPortal SE
Summary
by MITRE
Cross Site Scripting exists in InfoVista VistaPortal SE Version 5.1 (build 51029). The page "/VPortal/mgtconsole/Subscriptions.jsp" has reflected XSS via the ConnPoolName or GroupId parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/19/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-19814 represents a cross site scripting flaw within InfoVista VistaPortal SE Version 5.1, specifically affecting the management console interface. This issue manifests in the Subscriptions.jsp page where user-supplied input is not properly sanitized before being reflected back to the browser. The vulnerability occurs when the ConnPoolName or GroupId parameters are manipulated, allowing attackers to inject malicious script code that executes in the context of other users' browsers. This particular version of the software fails to implement adequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms, creating a persistent security risk for organizations utilizing this platform.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which defines cross site scripting as a weakness where untrusted data is sent to a web browser without proper validation or encoding. The reflected nature of this XSS attack means that the malicious payload is immediately reflected from the web server back to the browser without being stored, making it a server-side injection vulnerability. The attack vector specifically targets the management console interface where administrators or authorized users may be interacting with the system, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information or system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the subscription management functionality which likely handles critical connectivity and group configuration data within the InfoVista platform.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability exposes organizations to significant risk as it allows attackers to execute arbitrary scripts in the browser context of authenticated users. When administrators access the affected page, they become potential victims of the XSS attack, which could lead to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as attackers could leverage this vulnerability to perform actions within the application on behalf of legitimate users, potentially gaining access to sensitive network configurations or connectivity pool information. The attack requires minimal privileges as the vulnerability exists in the management console where administrative functions are performed, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where this software is deployed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-19814 should include immediate implementation of input validation and output encoding controls within the affected application components. Organizations should ensure that all user-supplied parameters including ConnPoolName and GroupId are properly sanitized before being processed or returned to the browser. The recommended approach involves implementing strict input validation that rejects or encodes potentially dangerous characters and implementing proper output encoding for all dynamic content. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing Content Security Policy headers to prevent execution of unauthorized scripts and ensure that the affected version of VistaPortal SE is updated to a patched release. Network segmentation and monitoring for suspicious parameter patterns can also serve as additional defensive measures. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability would map to T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and potentially T1566 for spearphishing with a link, as attackers may use this vulnerability to deliver malicious payloads through crafted links to the vulnerable interface. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol web protocols, as it affects web application functionality and user interaction through HTTP requests. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads targeting this specific XSS vector.