CVE-2018-8948 in MISP
Summary
by MITRE
In MISP before 2.4.89, app/View/Events/resolved_attributes.ctp has multiple XSS issues via a malicious MISP module.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/22/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-8948 represents a cross-site scripting weakness discovered in the MISP (Malware Information Sharing Platform) software prior to version 2.4.89. This vulnerability specifically affects the resolved_attributes.ctp template file located within the application's view directory structure. The issue arises from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the MISP module integration system, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary web scripts into the platform's user interface.
The technical flaw manifests when malicious MISP modules attempt to manipulate the resolved_attributes.ctp template by injecting crafted payloads through the module's output handling. This template is responsible for displaying resolved attributes within the MISP interface, and the vulnerability occurs because the application fails to properly sanitize or escape user-controllable data before rendering it in the web context. The flaw is classified under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities, where inadequate input validation allows malicious scripts to be executed in the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages the legitimate MISP module functionality to deliver malicious payloads, making it more difficult to detect and prevent through traditional security measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities within the MISP environment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious websites, deface the MISP interface, or execute arbitrary commands on behalf of authenticated users. Given that MISP is designed for sharing threat intelligence and security-related information, the exploitation of this vulnerability could compromise the integrity of the entire threat intelligence sharing ecosystem. The vulnerability affects any user who has access to the MISP platform and views the resolved attributes page, making it particularly dangerous in collaborative security environments where multiple users interact with shared threat intelligence data.
Organizations utilizing MISP software should implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability, including upgrading to version 2.4.89 or later where the XSS protection mechanisms have been properly implemented. The fix typically involves implementing proper output encoding for all data rendered in the resolved_attributes.ctp template, ensuring that any user-controllable input is properly sanitized before being displayed in the web interface. Security teams should also consider implementing content security policies to provide an additional layer of protection against XSS attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and output encoding practices in web applications, particularly in security tools where the integrity of user data is paramount. Organizations should also review their MISP module integration practices to ensure that third-party modules are properly vetted and that only trusted modules are integrated into their threat intelligence platforms. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers social engineering through malicious content, as the exploitation relies on manipulating legitimate platform functionality to deliver malicious payloads to unsuspecting users.