CVE-2019-13080 in KACE Systems Management Appliance Server Center
Summary
by MITRE
Quest KACE Systems Management Appliance Server Center 9.1.317 has an XSS vulnerability (via an SVG image and HTML file) that allows an authenticated user to execute arbitrary JavaScript in an administrator's browser.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/05/2024
The Quest KACE Systems Management Appliance Server Center version 9.1.317 contains a cross-site scripting vulnerability that represents a significant security risk for organizations relying on this system management platform. This vulnerability specifically affects the handling of SVG image and HTML file uploads within the administrative interface, creating an attack vector that can be exploited by authenticated users who possess valid credentials to the system. The flaw resides in the insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input when processing these file types, allowing malicious code to persist and execute within the context of an administrator's browser session.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from the improper validation and encoding of user-provided content when the system processes SVG and HTML files. When an authenticated user uploads or modifies content containing malicious JavaScript within these file formats, the system fails to adequately sanitize the input before rendering it in the browser. This creates a persistent XSS condition where the malicious script executes in the context of the administrator's session, potentially granting attackers elevated privileges and access to sensitive system functions. The vulnerability operates through a classic server-side input validation flaw that allows attackers to inject malicious code which then executes when administrators view the compromised content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities within the administrative interface. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially access confidential system information, modify configurations, escalate privileges, or even gain full administrative control over the KACE appliance. The authenticated nature of the attack means that the threat actor must first obtain valid user credentials, but once achieved, the attack can be particularly dangerous as it leverages the trust relationship between the administrator and the system. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of the management platform, potentially exposing the entire system management infrastructure to unauthorized access.
Organizations should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability, beginning with immediate patching of the affected system to the latest available version that contains the necessary security fixes. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit the attack surface and prevent unauthorized access to the administrative interfaces. Input validation and sanitization measures should be enhanced to ensure that all user-supplied content, particularly file uploads, undergoes rigorous validation before processing. Security monitoring should be implemented to detect suspicious activities related to file uploads and administrative actions. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 Cross-site Scripting and follows patterns commonly associated with ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, where adversaries leverage legitimate system interfaces to execute malicious code. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other system components and ensure comprehensive protection against similar attack vectors.