CVE-2019-18882 in IS as Key Manager
Summary
by MITRE
WSO2 IS as Key Manager 5.7.0 allows stored XSS in download-userinfo.jag because Content-Type is mishandled.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-18882 affects WSO2 Identity Server version 5.7.0 when configured as a Key Manager, representing a critical stored cross-site scripting flaw that undermines the security of user data processing within the platform. This vulnerability specifically manifests in the download-userinfo.jag component where improper handling of the Content-Type header creates an exploitable condition for attackers to inject malicious scripts into user information downloads. The flaw stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize or validate the Content-Type parameter, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the response headers and execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of authenticated user sessions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the Content-Type HTTP header during the download-userinfo.jag request processing. When a user attempts to download user information through this endpoint, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the Content-Type parameter, enabling attackers to inject malicious script content that gets stored and subsequently executed when other users access the downloaded information. This stored XSS vulnerability operates under CWE-79 which categorizes cross-site scripting flaws as weaknesses in input validation and output encoding. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, as it enables execution of malicious JavaScript code within the victim's browser context. The flaw essentially allows an attacker to inject JavaScript code that executes whenever legitimate users download and view the compromised user information, creating a persistent threat vector that can affect multiple users over time.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it enables attackers to perform session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration from authenticated user sessions. When users download user information containing the malicious script, the JavaScript code executes within their browser context, potentially allowing attackers to steal session cookies, capture keystrokes, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform actions on behalf of the authenticated user. The stored nature of this vulnerability means that once exploited, the malicious payload remains embedded in the system and continues to affect users until manually removed or the vulnerability is patched. This creates a particularly dangerous scenario for identity management systems where user information is frequently accessed and shared, as the attack surface expands with each user interaction involving the compromised download endpoint. The vulnerability represents a significant risk to the confidentiality and integrity of user data within the WSO2 Identity Server environment, potentially compromising the entire identity management infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-18882 should prioritize immediate patching of the WSO2 Identity Server 5.7.0 instance with the vendor-provided security update that addresses the Content-Type header validation issue. Organizations should implement proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent malicious Content-Type headers from being processed by the application. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual download patterns or suspicious Content-Type header values. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional defense-in-depth measures to prevent script execution in user information downloads. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of all WSO2 Identity Server installations to identify similar issues in other components or versions. Regular security testing including dynamic application security testing and manual penetration testing should be performed to identify potential XSS vulnerabilities in web applications. The remediation process should also include user education regarding the dangers of downloading user information from untrusted sources and the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches across all identity management infrastructure components.