CVE-2018-3748 in Glance
Summary
by MITRE
There is a Stored XSS vulnerability in the glance node module versions <= 3.0.5. File name, which contains malicious HTML (eg. embedded iframe element or javascript: pseudo-protocol handler in <a> element) allows to execute JavaScript code against any user who opens a directory listing containing such crafted file name.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/24/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-3748 represents a critical stored cross-site scripting flaw within the glance node module ecosystem, specifically affecting versions up to and including 3.0.5. This vulnerability resides in the file name handling mechanism of the module, where user-supplied file names are not adequately sanitized before being rendered in directory listings. The flaw enables attackers to inject malicious HTML content directly into file names, creating a persistent threat vector that can compromise any user who subsequently views directory listings containing these crafted entries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding within the glance module's directory rendering functionality. When file names containing malicious payloads are stored and subsequently displayed in directory listings, the module fails to properly escape or sanitize special characters that could be interpreted as HTML or JavaScript code. Attackers can exploit this by creating file names that include embedded iframe elements or javascript: pseudo-protocol handlers within anchor tags, allowing them to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of any victim's browser session. This stored nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious payload persists even after the initial upload, making it particularly dangerous as it can affect multiple users over time.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-3748 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable sophisticated attack vectors including session hijacking, credential theft, and redirection to malicious sites. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the glance module's directory listing feature, which is typically used for file management and browsing purposes. Any user with access to directory listings containing malicious file names becomes a potential victim, creating a wide attack surface that can be exploited in environments where multiple users interact with shared file systems. This vulnerability particularly threatens web applications that rely on glance for file browsing capabilities, as it can be leveraged to compromise user sessions and potentially escalate privileges within the application context.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-3748 should focus on immediate version upgrades to patched releases of the glance module, specifically targeting versions greater than 3.0.5 where the vulnerability has been addressed. Security measures should include implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms that sanitize all user-supplied file names before they are stored or rendered in directory listings. Organizations should also consider implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit the execution of inline scripts and restrict the sources from which scripts can be loaded. Additionally, regular security audits of file management systems and input validation routines should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which categorizes cross-site scripting flaws, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege and secure input handling. The ATT&CK framework would classify this under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code through user interaction with directory listings.