CVE-2018-20729 in NeDi
Summary
by MITRE
A reflected cross site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in NeDi before 1.7Cp3 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the reg parameter in mh.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/02/2020
This reflected cross site scripting vulnerability exists in NeDi versions prior to 1.7Cp3 and specifically affects the mh.php script where the reg parameter is not properly sanitized or validated. The flaw enables remote attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of a victim's browser by injecting malicious code through the vulnerable parameter. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which categorizes improper neutralization of input during web output, making it a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to security breaches. The vulnerability operates by reflecting malicious payloads back to users without proper encoding or sanitization, allowing attackers to manipulate web applications and potentially steal session cookies, deface websites, or redirect users to malicious sites.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection as it provides attackers with a foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the victim's browser context. When an attacker crafts a malicious URL containing the vulnerable reg parameter and persuades a user to click it, the injected script executes in the user's browser session. This can lead to session hijacking, data exfiltration, or the execution of unauthorized commands on behalf of the user. The reflected nature of this XSS means that the malicious payload is immediately reflected back to the user without being stored on the server, making it particularly dangerous for phishing attacks and social engineering campaigns.
Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through various methods including sending malicious links via email, instant messaging, or social media platforms where users might be enticed to click on the crafted URLs. The vulnerability affects the administrative interface of NeDi, which could potentially allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to network monitoring data and configuration settings. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566 for credential access through phishing techniques. Organizations using NeDi versions before 1.7Cp3 are particularly vulnerable as the default configuration does not include input sanitization measures that would prevent such attacks.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediate upgrading to NeDi version 1.7Cp3 or later where the vulnerability has been patched through proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms. System administrators should also implement additional security controls such as web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious payloads targeting XSS vulnerabilities. Input validation should be strengthened to reject or sanitize all special characters that could be used in script injection attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit the sources from which scripts can be loaded, providing an additional layer of defense against reflected XSS attacks. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other web applications within the network infrastructure.