CVE-2019-20798 in Cherokee
Summary
by MITRE
An XSS issue was discovered in handler_server_info.c in Cherokee through 1.2.104. The requested URL is improperly displayed on the About page in the default configuration of the web server and its administrator panel. The XSS in the administrator panel can be used to reconfigure the server and execute arbitrary commands.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/18/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-20798 represents a cross-site scripting flaw within the Cherokee web server software version 1.2.104 and earlier. This issue resides in the handler_server_info.c component and manifests when the web server displays the requested URL on the About page within its default configuration. The vulnerability specifically affects the administrator panel where the improperly sanitized URL information is rendered without adequate input validation or output encoding mechanisms. This flaw allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute within the context of the victim's browser session when navigating to the affected pages.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which describes improper neutralization of input during web page generation, commonly known as cross-site scripting. The flaw operates by failing to properly sanitize user-supplied input before displaying it in the web interface, creating a condition where malicious payloads can be executed in the browser of any user who visits the affected administrative panel. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by its location within the administrator panel, which provides access to critical server configuration functions. When exploited, the XSS vulnerability enables attackers to manipulate the server's operational parameters and potentially execute arbitrary commands on the underlying system.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-20798 extends beyond simple script execution as it provides attackers with elevated privileges within the web server environment. The ability to reconfigure the server through the administrator panel means that malicious actors could modify security settings, alter access controls, or redirect traffic to malicious destinations. Command execution capabilities represent a particularly dangerous aspect of this vulnerability as it allows attackers to gain full control over the server's functionality and potentially compromise the entire hosting environment. The default configuration aspect of the vulnerability means that systems are vulnerable without any additional configuration changes, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate software updates to versions beyond 1.2.104 where the XSS flaw has been addressed through proper input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation procedures that ensure all user-supplied data is properly escaped before being rendered in web interfaces. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of administrative panels to trusted users only, reducing the attack surface for potential exploitation. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which describes the use of command and scripting interpreter for execution, highlighting the potential for attackers to escalate privileges and gain complete system control through the exploitation of such vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments and web application firewalls should be deployed to detect and prevent exploitation attempts, while security monitoring should be enhanced to identify unusual administrative activities that might indicate successful exploitation of the XSS vulnerability.