CVE-2018-5799 in ServiceDesk Plus
Summary
by MITRE
In Zoho ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus before 9403, an XSS issue allows an attacker to run arbitrary JavaScript via a /api/request/?OPERATION_NAME= URI, aka SD-69139.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/26/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5799 represents a cross-site scripting flaw discovered in Zoho ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus version 9403 and earlier. This security weakness resides within the application's handling of API requests, specifically when processing the OPERATION_NAME parameter in the /api/request/ endpoint. The flaw enables attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code that executes in the context of other users' browsers, potentially compromising the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive data processed through the service desk platform.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding within the ServiceDesk Plus API handler. When the application processes requests containing the OPERATION_NAME parameter, it fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into dynamic web responses. This inadequate sanitization creates an environment where malicious actors can craft specially crafted API requests that include JavaScript payloads. The vulnerability manifests when the application reflects this unsanitized input back to users without appropriate HTML escaping or encoding mechanisms, allowing the injected code to execute in the victim's browser context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with a foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the targeted environment. An attacker who successfully exploits this XSS flaw could potentially steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious websites, modify the content displayed to legitimate users, or even escalate privileges within the service desk application. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it targets the API endpoint, which suggests that the vulnerability could be exploited through automated tools or by attackers with minimal privileges who can submit API requests. This makes the vulnerability suitable for both targeted attacks against specific users and broader exploitation campaigns.
Organizations utilizing Zoho ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus should prioritize immediate patching of this vulnerability by upgrading to version 9403 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Additionally, network administrators should implement proper input validation at the perimeter through web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems to detect and block malicious API requests. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting weaknesses in web applications, and represents a common attack pattern that maps to ATT&CK technique T1566.201 for the exploitation of web application vulnerabilities. Security teams should also conduct thorough penetration testing to identify any additional vectors that might exist within their ServiceDesk Plus deployments and implement comprehensive monitoring to detect anomalous API usage patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts.