CVE-2019-18652 in XMT515
Summary
by MITRE
A DOM based XSS vulnerability has been identified on the WatchGuard XMT515 through 12.1.3, allowing a remote attacker to execute JavaScript in the victim's browser by tricking the victim into clicking on a crafted link. The payload was tested in Microsoft Internet Explorer 11.418.18362.0 and Microsoft Edge 44.18362.387.0 (Microsoft EdgeHTML 18.18362).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/20/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2019-18652 represents a critical server-side DOM-based cross-site scripting flaw affecting WatchGuard XMT515 devices running firmware versions through 12.1.3. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities in web applications. The flaw resides in how the device processes and renders user-supplied input within the DOM context, creating an environment where malicious JavaScript code can be injected and executed without proper sanitization or validation. The vulnerability specifically impacts the device's web management interface, making it accessible to remote attackers who can leverage this weakness to compromise user sessions and potentially escalate their privileges.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires a sophisticated social engineering approach where attackers craft malicious URLs containing specially formatted JavaScript payloads that are then executed when victims navigate to these links through supported browsers. The attack vector demonstrates the classic characteristics of a DOM-based XSS vulnerability as defined by the CWE-79 standard, where the malicious script is executed in the victim's browser context rather than being reflected from the server. Testing confirmed the vulnerability's effectiveness in Microsoft Internet Explorer 11.418.18362.0 and Microsoft Edge 44.18362.387.0, indicating that the flaw affects legacy browser environments where the DOM manipulation occurs. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple script execution, as it can be leveraged to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users, and potentially establish persistent access to the device's management interface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability presents significant security risks for organizations relying on WatchGuard XMT515 devices for network security. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers can compromise device management interfaces without requiring physical access or local network presence, creating an attack surface that can be leveraged from anywhere on the internet. This vulnerability directly conflicts with the principle of least privilege and can lead to complete device compromise, allowing attackers to modify firewall rules, access sensitive network data, and potentially pivot to other systems within the network. The attack requires minimal technical expertise to execute, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by threat actors with varying skill levels. According to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability could be categorized under T1059.007 for Scripting and T1566 for Phishing, as it relies on both code execution and social engineering components.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including firmware updates to the latest available versions that address this vulnerability, as well as network segmentation to limit access to the device's management interface. The recommended security controls include implementing web application firewalls to filter malicious payloads, establishing strict access controls through network access control lists, and deploying user education programs to recognize and avoid suspicious links. Additional defensive measures should involve monitoring network traffic for suspicious URL patterns and implementing automated vulnerability scanning to detect similar issues in other network devices. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security firmware and demonstrates the critical need for regular security assessments of network infrastructure components. Organizations should also consider implementing security monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous behavior patterns associated with exploitation attempts and ensure that all management interfaces are protected through strong authentication mechanisms and regular security audits.