CVE-2018-6586 in API Developer Portal
Summary
by MITRE
CA API Developer Portal 3.5 up to and including 3.5 CR6 has a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability related to profile picture processing.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/06/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-6586 affects CA API Developer Portal version 3.5 through CR6, representing a critical security flaw in the platform's user profile management system. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the profile picture processing functionality, creating an environment where malicious actors can inject persistent malicious scripts into user profiles. The vulnerability specifically targets the image upload and processing pipeline, where user-uploaded profile pictures are handled without proper security controls to prevent script injection attacks. The affected system fails to properly validate or sanitize image metadata and file contents, allowing attackers to upload specially crafted images that contain embedded cross-site scripting payloads.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which describes cross-site scripting flaws occurring when untrusted data is directly included in web pages without proper validation or encoding. The flaw exists in the server-side processing logic that handles user profile picture uploads, where the system accepts image files without adequately examining their content for malicious script tags or executable code. When the system processes these images for display purposes, the embedded scripts execute in the context of other users' browsers who view the compromised profiles. This stored XSS vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the victim's browser session, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates through the legitimate profile picture upload mechanism, making it difficult to detect and exploit without proper monitoring.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-6586 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks within the API developer portal ecosystem. Attackers can use this vulnerability to steal session cookies, access other users' profile information, or manipulate the portal's functionality to gain unauthorized access to API resources. The stored nature of the vulnerability means that once a malicious script is injected into a profile, it persists until manually removed, allowing attackers to maintain access over extended periods. This vulnerability affects the portal's authentication and authorization mechanisms by potentially enabling privilege escalation or unauthorized access to sensitive API documentation and developer resources. The attack vector requires minimal user interaction beyond viewing the compromised profile, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple developers share the same portal infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include implementing comprehensive input validation and sanitization of all user-uploaded content, particularly image files used for profile pictures. Organizations should deploy strict file type validation and content inspection mechanisms that prevent the processing of images containing embedded scripts or malicious code. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers and proper output encoding techniques can significantly reduce the impact of any remaining vulnerabilities. Security measures should also include regular automated scanning of uploaded content and implementation of web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious file uploads. Additionally, the system should enforce proper access controls and implement least privilege principles for profile management functions. Organizations should also consider implementing image processing libraries that strip metadata and sanitize file contents before storage and display, aligning with industry best practices for secure file upload handling. The remediation process should involve thorough code review and security testing of all user input handling mechanisms, particularly those related to profile management and file upload functionality.