CVE-2018-5411 in Tractor software
Summary
by MITRE
Pixar's Tractor software, versions 2.2 and earlier, contain a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability in the field that allows a user to add a note to an existing node. The stored information is displayed when a user requests information about the node. An attacker could insert Javascript into this note field that is then saved and displayed to the end user. An attacker might include Javascript that could execute on an authenticated user's system that could lead to website redirects, session cookie hijacking, social engineering, etc. As this is stored with the information about the node, all other authenticated users with access to this data are also vulnerable.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5411 affects Pixar's Tractor software version 2.2 and earlier, representing a critical stored cross-site scripting flaw that undermines the security of collaborative animation workflow environments. This vulnerability specifically resides in the note field functionality where users can append information to existing nodes within the software's interface. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or encode user-supplied content before storing and rendering it within the application's web interface. As a stored XSS vulnerability, the malicious payload persists in the application's database and executes whenever any authenticated user accesses the affected node information, creating a persistent threat vector that extends beyond the initial injection point.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious javascript code through the note field, which gets stored server-side and subsequently rendered to any user who requests node information. This creates a dangerous scenario where legitimate users unknowingly execute malicious code within their browser context, potentially compromising their sessions and system integrity. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and leverages the trust relationship between the application and its authenticated users, making it particularly insidious as victims are typically unaware they are being targeted. The stored nature of the vulnerability means that even users who do not directly interact with the compromised node can be affected when the application displays the malicious content, as demonstrated by the attack surface that includes all authenticated users with access to the affected data.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-5411 extends beyond simple script execution to encompass broader security implications within creative production environments where Tractor software is deployed. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to perform session hijacking by stealing authentication cookies, redirect users to malicious websites, or execute social engineering attacks that exploit the trust users place in their collaborative tools. The vulnerability's persistence means that a single injection can affect multiple users over time, creating a scalable attack vector that could compromise entire production workflows. Organizations utilizing Tractor software face potential data exfiltration risks, unauthorized access to sensitive project information, and disruption of collaborative processes. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script execution, demonstrating how this vulnerability could facilitate broader attack chains within enterprise environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-5411 require immediate implementation of input validation and output encoding controls within the Tractor application's note field functionality. Organizations should implement proper sanitization of user inputs to prevent javascript execution, employ Content Security Policy headers to restrict script execution, and consider implementing a secure input validation framework that filters or escapes potentially dangerous characters. The most effective long-term solution involves upgrading to Tractor versions 2.3 or later where this vulnerability has been addressed through proper input sanitization mechanisms. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security awareness training for users who interact with the Tractor software should emphasize the dangers of clicking on untrusted links or content within collaborative environments, while access controls should be implemented to limit the scope of potential exploitation. Regular security assessments and penetration testing of collaborative software environments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities that could compromise production workflows and sensitive creative assets.