CVE-2018-8651 in Dynamics NAV
Summary
by MITRE
A cross site scripting vulnerability exists when Microsoft Dynamics NAV does not properly sanitize a specially crafted web request to an affected Dynamics NAV server, aka "Microsoft Dynamics NAV Cross Site Scripting Vulnerability." This affects Microsoft Dynamics NAV.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/20/2020
The CVE-2018-8651 vulnerability represents a critical cross site scripting flaw within Microsoft Dynamics NAV server implementations that fundamentally compromises web application security. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the Dynamics NAV server component, specifically when processing web requests containing maliciously crafted payloads. The flaw allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users, creating a persistent threat vector that can be exploited across multiple user sessions and interactions with the affected system. The vulnerability impacts organizations utilizing Microsoft Dynamics NAV versions that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied input, particularly in web-based interfaces and server-side processing components.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a malicious actor crafts a specially designed web request that bypasses existing security controls within the Dynamics NAV server. This crafted request typically contains script code that gets executed in the context of other users' browsers when they interact with the affected system. The vulnerability manifests in the server's failure to adequately sanitize user input through proper encoding, validation, or filtering mechanisms before processing or displaying content. This allows attackers to inject HTML, JavaScript, or other malicious code that executes in the victim's browser context, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further compromise of the affected environment. The flaw specifically affects the web server components of Dynamics NAV that handle user requests and process web-based interactions.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-8651 extends beyond simple script execution, creating significant risks for enterprise environments running Microsoft Dynamics NAV systems. Successful exploitation can enable attackers to steal user sessions, access sensitive business data, manipulate transactions, or perform unauthorized actions within the Dynamics NAV environment. The vulnerability can be particularly dangerous in business-critical applications where Dynamics NAV handles financial data, customer information, or operational processes. Organizations may experience data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential financial losses due to unauthorized access to business-critical systems. The persistent nature of XSS vulnerabilities means that once exploited, attackers can maintain access and continue harvesting information over extended periods, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise security postures.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-8651 should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding controls within the Dynamics NAV environment. Organizations should prioritize applying Microsoft's security patches and updates released for this vulnerability, while also implementing web application firewalls and security monitoring solutions to detect and prevent malicious requests. The implementation of proper content security policies and input sanitization measures can help prevent exploitation attempts, while regular security assessments and penetration testing can identify potential attack vectors. Organizations should also consider implementing user access controls and monitoring mechanisms to detect unauthorized activities within their Dynamics NAV systems. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 Cross Site Scripting and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, highlighting the need for comprehensive security controls across both network and application layers to prevent exploitation attempts.