CVE-2019-1332 in Power BI Report Server
Summary
by MITRE
A cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability exists when Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) does not properly sanitize a specially-crafted web request to an affected SSRS server, aka 'Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services XSS Vulnerability'.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-1332 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services that stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms. This weakness allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary web scripts into the reporting environment through carefully crafted HTTP requests, potentially compromising the security of sensitive data and user sessions. The vulnerability specifically affects the way SSRS processes web requests, failing to properly sanitize user-supplied input before rendering it in web responses, which creates an avenue for attackers to execute malicious code within the context of a victim's browser session.
The technical exploitation of this XSS vulnerability occurs when an attacker constructs a malicious web request containing script code that gets processed by the SSRS server without proper sanitization. This flaw falls under CWE-79 which defines Cross-Site Scripting as a common web application vulnerability where untrusted data is embedded into web pages viewed by other users. The vulnerability impacts the integrity of the SSRS web interface, potentially allowing attackers to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or execute unauthorized actions on behalf of authenticated users. The attack vector specifically targets the web-based interface of SSRS rather than the database layer itself, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that rely heavily on web reporting functionality.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations utilizing Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services, particularly those with web-facing reporting servers. The impact extends beyond simple script execution to encompass potential data exfiltration, session hijacking, and privilege escalation attacks. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain access to sensitive reports, financial data, or personal information processed through the reporting services. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers social engineering tactics including the use of malicious web content to compromise systems. Organizations with unpatched SSRS installations face heightened risk of lateral movement within their networks, as compromised reporting services could serve as entry points for broader attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-1332 should prioritize immediate implementation of Microsoft security updates and patches released in response to this vulnerability. Organizations should also implement robust input validation mechanisms, deploy web application firewalls to monitor and filter malicious requests, and establish network segmentation to limit access to SSRS web interfaces. Additional protective measures include enabling secure HTTP headers, implementing content security policies, and conducting regular security assessments of web applications. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches across all enterprise applications and highlights the critical need for proper input sanitization practices in web-based reporting systems. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous web request patterns indicative of XSS attack attempts and establish incident response procedures specifically addressing web application vulnerabilities.