CVE-2019-15083 in ServiceDesk Plus
Summary
by MITRE
Default installations of Zoho ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus 10.0 before 10500 are vulnerable to XSS injected by a workstation local administrator. Using the installed program names of the computer as a vector, the local administrator can execute code on the Manage Engine ServiceDesk administrator side. At "Asset Home > Server > <workstation> > software" the administrator of ManageEngine can control what software is installed on the workstation. This table shows all the installed program names in the Software column. In this field, a remote attacker can inject malicious code in order to execute it when the ManageEngine administrator visualizes this page.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/02/2024
CVE-2019-15083 represents a cross-site scripting vulnerability in Zoho ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus versions prior to 10500, where a local administrator with workstation access can inject malicious code that executes when the ServiceDesk administrator views software inventory data. This vulnerability operates through the software inventory management component where installed program names are displayed in a table format. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding of software names within the web interface, creating a classic XSS attack vector. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages the trust relationship between local workstation administrators and the central ServiceDesk management system, allowing privilege escalation through code injection.
The technical exploitation mechanism involves the local administrator manipulating the software installation names stored in the ServiceDesk database through the workstation asset management interface. When the ServiceDesk administrator navigates to the software inventory section at "Asset Home > Server > <workstation> > software", the system displays the program names without proper sanitization, enabling the execution of malicious JavaScript code. This vulnerability is categorized under CWE-79 as a Cross-Site Scripting flaw, specifically manifesting as reflected XSS due to the dynamic nature of the software name display. The attack requires minimal privileges since local administrators typically have write access to workstation asset data, making the exploitation path more accessible than typical remote XSS vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it enables potential data exfiltration, session hijacking, and further lateral movement within the network. An attacker could inject malicious scripts that steal administrator credentials, redirect users to phishing sites, or establish persistent backdoors through the compromised ServiceDesk interface. The vulnerability affects organizations relying on ServiceDesk Plus for asset management, where local administrators might be less strictly controlled than central IT administrators. This creates a significant risk for enterprises with distributed computing environments where workstation-level access is more prevalent. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically JavaScript execution within a web browser context.
Mitigation strategies should focus on input validation and output encoding at the application level, implementing proper sanitization of software name fields before display in the web interface. Organizations should immediately upgrade to ServiceDesk Plus version 10500 or later, which includes patched XSS protections. Network segmentation and privilege minimization can reduce the attack surface by limiting local administrator access to critical asset management functions. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls with XSS detection capabilities and regular security scanning of the ServiceDesk interface can provide defense-in-depth measures. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of securing administrative interfaces against lateral privilege escalation attacks and highlights the need for comprehensive input validation across all user-controllable data fields in enterprise asset management systems.