CVE-2018-5306 in Nexus Repository Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in Sonatype Nexus Repository Manager (aka NXRM) 3.x before 3.8 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via (1) the repoId or (2) format parameter to service/siesta/healthcheck/healthCheckFileDetail/.../index.html; (3) the filename in the "File Upload" functionality of the Staging Upload; (4) the username when creating a new user; or (5) the IQ Server URL field in the IQ Server Connection functionality.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/03/2020
The vulnerability CVE-2018-5306 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting Sonatype Nexus Repository Manager version 3.x prior to 3.8. This issue falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, specifically encompassing multiple attack vectors that collectively weaken the application's input validation mechanisms. The vulnerability manifests through several distinct entry points within the repository management interface, making it particularly dangerous as attackers can exploit any one of these pathways to execute malicious scripts against unsuspecting users.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input across multiple components of the NXRM application. Attackers can leverage the repoId and format parameters within the service/siesta/healthcheck/healthCheckFileDetail/.../index.html endpoint to inject malicious JavaScript code that gets executed when other users view the health check details. Additionally, the file upload functionality in the Staging Upload feature accepts filenames containing malicious scripts, while the user creation process permits username fields to contain harmful code. The IQ Server Connection configuration also presents an injection point through the IQ Server URL field, allowing attackers to craft malicious URLs that execute when the system attempts to connect to the specified server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform session hijacking, steal sensitive credentials, redirect users to malicious websites, or even execute arbitrary commands within the context of the victim's browser session. This weakness directly violates the principle of least privilege and can lead to complete compromise of the repository management environment. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that repository managers often contain sensitive artifacts, configuration data, and access controls that make them attractive targets for adversaries seeking to escalate privileges or gain unauthorized access to software development pipelines.
Security professionals should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability, including input validation, output encoding, and proper sanitization of all user-supplied data. The recommended remediation involves upgrading to Nexus Repository Manager version 3.8 or later, which includes patches addressing all identified XSS vectors. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls, employ content security policies, and conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically focusing on JavaScript execution within web applications, and demonstrates the importance of proper input validation as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten Project's category A03:2021 - Injection. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of all input fields and the implementation of proper encoding mechanisms to prevent malicious code from being executed in user contexts.