CVE-2018-8607 in Dynamics 365
Summary
by MITRE
A cross site scripting vulnerability exists when Microsoft Dynamics 365 (on-premises) version 8 does not properly sanitize a specially crafted web request to an affected Dynamics server, aka "Microsoft Dynamics 365 (on-premises) version 8 Cross Site Scripting Vulnerability." This affects Microsoft Dynamics 365. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2018-8605, CVE-2018-8606, CVE-2018-8608.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2020
This cross site scripting vulnerability in Microsoft Dynamics 365 on-premises version 8 represents a critical security flaw that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web applications. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the web request processing pipeline of the Dynamics server. When a specially crafted web request is sent to an affected Dynamics server, the application fails to properly sanitize the input data before rendering it in the user interface, creating an opportunity for attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of a victim's browser session.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross site scripting flaws in web applications. This weakness occurs because the application does not adequately validate or escape user-supplied input before incorporating it into dynamic web content. The flaw exists in the server-side processing logic where incoming HTTP requests containing malicious payloads are not properly filtered or encoded before being processed and returned to users. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious URLs or form submissions that contain script tags, event handlers, or other XSS payload constructs designed to hijack user sessions, steal sensitive data, or perform unauthorized actions on behalf of authenticated users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations running Microsoft Dynamics 365 on-premises deployments. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to steal user credentials, access sensitive business data, modify records, or even escalate privileges within the Dynamics environment. Given that Dynamics 365 typically handles confidential customer information, financial data, and business-critical processes, the potential for data breaches and business disruption is substantial. The vulnerability affects the core web interface functionality of the application, making it accessible to attackers who can leverage common web-based attack vectors such as phishing emails, compromised websites, or social engineering campaigns to deliver malicious payloads to unsuspecting users.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the official Microsoft security patches released for this vulnerability, configuring web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious input patterns, and implementing proper input validation at multiple layers of the application architecture. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1059.007 for script injection techniques, emphasizing the need for defensive measures that monitor and restrict the execution of malicious scripts within web applications. Additional protective measures include enabling Content Security Policy headers, implementing proper output encoding for all dynamic content, and conducting regular security assessments of web applications to identify similar input validation weaknesses that could be exploited by attackers.