CVE-2018-8608 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-2018-8607.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2020
The vulnerability described in CVE-2018-8608 represents a critical cross site scripting flaw within Microsoft Dynamics 365 on-premises version 8 deployments. This security weakness stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the web application framework that processes user requests. The flaw specifically manifests when the system fails to properly sanitize maliciously crafted web requests that are submitted to the affected Dynamics server, creating an exploitable condition that allows attackers to inject malicious script code into web pages viewed by other users.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross site scripting weaknesses in web applications. This classification indicates that the vulnerability exists due to inadequate validation of user-supplied input data that flows into the application's output generation mechanisms. The flaw operates at the application layer where user-provided data is not properly escaped or filtered before being rendered in web responses, creating an environment where malicious scripts can execute within the context of authenticated user sessions. The vulnerability affects Microsoft Dynamics 365 on-premises installations specifically version 8, making it distinct from related vulnerabilities such as CVE-2018-8605 through CVE-2018-8607 which address different aspects of the same product line.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations utilizing Microsoft Dynamics 365 on-premises deployments. Attackers can exploit this weakness to execute arbitrary scripts in the context of authenticated users, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, privilege escalation, or unauthorized access to sensitive business information. The impact extends beyond simple script execution as the vulnerability can be leveraged to perform more sophisticated attacks such as credential harvesting, data exfiltration, or even lateral movement within the network. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that Dynamics 365 is commonly used for customer relationship management, financial systems, and other business-critical applications where unauthorized access could result in substantial financial and reputational damage.
The exploitation of this vulnerability typically follows the ATT&CK framework pattern for client-side attacks, specifically mapping to techniques involving malicious code injection and credential access. Organizations should implement comprehensive mitigation strategies including input validation, output encoding, and regular security updates to address this vulnerability. The recommended approach includes applying Microsoft security patches promptly, implementing web application firewalls, and conducting regular security assessments of Dynamics 365 deployments. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing content security policies and monitoring for suspicious web requests to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security practices and the critical need for proper input sanitization in web applications to prevent similar cross site scripting scenarios.