CVE-2019-12453 in Web
Summary
by MITRE
In MicroStrategy Web before 10.1 patch 10, stored XSS is possible in the FLTB parameter due to missing input validation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/05/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-12453 represents a critical stored cross-site scripting flaw within MicroStrategy Web versions prior to 10.1 patch 10. This security weakness specifically affects the FLTB parameter handling mechanism, where inadequate input validation allows malicious actors to inject persistent malicious scripts into the application's data storage. The flaw enables attackers to execute arbitrary code within the context of other users' browsers, potentially compromising the entire user session and accessing sensitive data. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize and validate user-supplied input parameters before storing them in the backend systems, creating a persistent threat that can affect multiple users over time.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities in web applications. The FLTB parameter serves as the attack vector where unfiltered user input gets stored in the application's database or configuration files, subsequently executed when other users access the affected functionality. This stored XSS variant differs from reflected XSS because the malicious payload persists in the application's backend, making it more dangerous and harder to detect. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users, or redirect victims to malicious websites, all while maintaining persistent access through the stored payload.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-12453 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can lead to complete compromise of user accounts and sensitive data exposure within MicroStrategy environments. Organizations utilizing affected versions face significant risk of unauthorized data access, privilege escalation, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects enterprise reporting and analytics platforms where users frequently interact with complex data visualizations and dashboards, making the attack surface particularly expansive. Security teams must consider that compromised user sessions can provide access to business intelligence systems containing sensitive corporate data, financial reports, and strategic information that could be exploited for financial gain or competitive advantage.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of the vendor-provided patch version 10.1 patch 10, which addresses the input validation deficiencies in the FLTB parameter handling. Organizations should also implement comprehensive input sanitization measures at multiple layers including web application firewalls, API gateways, and application-level validation routines. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be enhanced to detect anomalous parameter submissions that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security configurations should enforce strict validation of all user-supplied inputs, particularly those used in parameterized queries and data storage operations. The remediation process must include thorough testing of the patch in staging environments before deployment to production systems, ensuring that the fix does not introduce regressions in functionality while maintaining the application's core reporting capabilities.