CVE-2018-7997 in Eramba
Summary
by MITRE
Eramba e1.0.6.033 has Reflected XSS on the Error page of the CSV file inclusion tab of the /importTool/preview URI, with a CSV file polluted with malicious JavaScript.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-7997 affects the Eramba application version 1.0.6.033 and represents a reflected cross-site scripting flaw that occurs within the error handling mechanism of the CSV file import functionality. This security weakness manifests when users attempt to upload CSV files through the /importTool/preview URI endpoint, specifically within the CSV file inclusion tab where the application displays error messages. The vulnerability exploits the lack of proper input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms, allowing malicious JavaScript code embedded within the CSV file to be executed in the context of the victim's browser when the error page is rendered.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into dynamically generated error messages. When a CSV file containing malicious JavaScript code is processed through the import tool, the application fails to escape or filter the data before displaying it in the error page context. This reflected XSS condition occurs because the application directly incorporates user input into HTTP response content without adequate security controls. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79 as a failure to sanitize user input, specifically manifesting as reflected cross-site scripting where malicious scripts are reflected off the web server and executed in the victim's browser.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or session hijacking, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code within the context of authenticated users' sessions. An attacker could craft a malicious CSV file containing JavaScript payloads that, when processed by the vulnerable application, would execute in the browser of any user who views the error page. This could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, modification of user accounts, or even complete system compromise if users have administrative privileges. The vulnerability particularly affects users who have access to the import functionality and are likely to encounter error messages when processing CSV files, making it a significant concern for organizations relying on the Eramba platform for business operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application's data processing pipeline. Organizations should immediately apply the vendor-provided patch or upgrade to a version that addresses this specific XSS vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper content security policies, sanitizing all user-supplied data before rendering, and employing proper input validation at multiple layers of the application architecture can significantly reduce the risk. Security controls should include implementing strict CSV file format validation, sanitizing all data fields before display, and ensuring that error messages do not directly reflect user input without proper encoding. The remediation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213 which emphasizes the importance of protecting against data manipulation through proper input validation and output encoding. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious patterns in CSV file uploads to detect potential exploitation attempts. Regular security testing including dynamic application security testing and manual penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components that may be susceptible to cross-site scripting attacks.