CVE-2018-7633 in EpiCentro
Summary
by MITRE
Code injection in the /ui/login form Language parameter in Epicentro E_7.3.2+ allows attackers to execute JavaScript code by making a user issue a manipulated POST request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/01/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-7633 represents a critical code injection flaw within the Epicentro E_7.3.2+ web application framework, specifically targeting the user interface login form. This issue resides in the handling of the Language parameter, which is processed without adequate input validation or sanitization mechanisms. The vulnerability allows malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary JavaScript code through a manipulated POST request, effectively compromising the authentication interface and potentially the entire application environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient parameter validation within the application's input processing pipeline. When users submit login requests containing malicious payloads in the Language parameter, the application fails to properly sanitize or escape these inputs before processing. This creates a direct path for attackers to inject JavaScript code that executes within the context of the victim's browser session. The vulnerability manifests specifically during the authentication flow when the application attempts to render or process the language selection parameter, making it particularly dangerous as it targets a fundamental authentication mechanism.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability exposes organizations to significant security risks including session hijacking, credential theft, and potential full system compromise. Attackers can leverage this code injection to establish persistent backdoors, steal user credentials, or redirect users to malicious sites. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal user interaction beyond the normal login process, making it difficult to detect and prevent. The vulnerability essentially transforms the authentication interface into an attack surface that can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to sensitive application functionality and user data.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-7633 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected Epicentro E_7.3.2+ versions to address the input validation deficiencies. Organizations must implement comprehensive input sanitization measures including proper escaping of special characters, validation of parameter values against expected formats, and implementation of Content Security Policy headers to prevent unauthorized script execution. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring of login attempts can help detect anomalous behavior. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 (Cross-site Scripting) and CWE-94 (Code Injection) categories, and represents a significant risk under ATT&CK framework's T1190 (Exploit Public-Facing Application) and T1071.004 (Application Layer Protocol: DNS) techniques, highlighting the need for robust web application security controls and regular vulnerability assessments to prevent similar injection attacks across the application landscape.