CVE-2018-9113 in MicrobeTRACE
Summary
by MITRE
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention MicrobeTRACE 0.1.12 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code, related to code injection via a crafted CSV file with an initial '><script type="text/javascript" src=' line.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/07/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9113 affects the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention MicrobeTRACE 0.1.12 software, representing a critical code injection flaw that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on affected systems. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the application's CSV file processing functionality, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors to compromise the target environment.
The technical flaw manifests when the application processes specially crafted CSV files that contain malicious JavaScript code within their initial lines. Specifically, an attacker can construct a CSV file beginning with the sequence '><script type="text/javascript" src=' which, when processed by the vulnerable MicrobeTRACE application, gets interpreted as executable code rather than plain data. This represents a classic server-side code injection vulnerability that falls under the CWE-94 category of "Improper Control of Generation of Code" and more specifically aligns with CWE-74 "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component."
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with complete remote code execution capabilities on systems running the vulnerable MicrobeTRACE software. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive health data, potentially compromising the integrity of epidemiological research and surveillance systems. The attack vector is particularly concerning because CSV files are commonly used for data exchange and are often automatically processed by applications, making exploitation relatively straightforward and potentially automated.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the affected MicrobeTRACE software to the latest version that addresses the code injection flaw. Organizations should implement strict input validation and sanitization measures for all file processing functions, particularly those handling user-supplied data. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and content filtering mechanisms can help detect and block malicious CSV file patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and input validation as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript" which emphasizes the need for proper sanitization of script execution contexts.
The broader implications of this vulnerability extend beyond the specific MicrobeTRACE application, highlighting the critical need for security considerations in public health software systems that handle sensitive data. Given the potential for compromising epidemiological surveillance data, organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their health information systems and implement comprehensive monitoring to detect anomalous file processing activities that could indicate exploitation attempts.