CVE-2019-25156 in Agency
Summary
by MITRE • 11/07/2023
A vulnerability classified as problematic was found in dstar2018 Agency up to 61. Affected by this vulnerability is an unknown functionality of the file search.php. The manipulation of the argument QSType/QuickSearch leads to cross site scripting. The attack can be launched remotely. The patch is named 975b56953efabb434519d9feefcc53685fb8d0ab. It is recommended to apply a patch to fix this issue. The associated identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-244495.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/02/2023
This cross site scripting vulnerability exists in the dstar2018 Agency software version 61 and earlier, specifically affecting the search.php file functionality. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation when processing the QSType or QuickSearch parameters, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary script code into the application's response. The flaw represents a classic xss vulnerability where user-supplied data flows directly into the output without proper sanitization or encoding, creating an environment where attackers can execute malicious scripts in the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability is classified as remotely exploitable, meaning attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network privileges to launch attacks. This remote exploitation capability significantly increases the attack surface and potential impact of the vulnerability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which describes improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically cross site scripting vulnerabilities. The attack vector operates through web browsers when users interact with the affected search functionality, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently access web applications with elevated privileges. The vulnerability affects the QuickSearch functionality, which suggests that the application processes search queries without adequate protection against malicious input sequences. Attackers could leverage this weakness to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or execute unauthorized actions on behalf of authenticated users. The patch referenced as 975b56953efabb434519d9feefcc53685fb8d0ab addresses the core input validation issue by implementing proper sanitization of the QSType parameter before it is processed or returned in web responses.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it can enable more sophisticated attacks within the context of the target application. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 which covers scripting languages and T1566.001 which involves spearphishing with malicious attachments or links. The vulnerability creates opportunities for attackers to establish persistent access through session hijacking or credential theft, potentially compromising the entire user base that interacts with the affected search functionality. Organizations utilizing this software should prioritize patch deployment as the vulnerability allows for complete browser-based compromise of user sessions. The patch implementation requires careful testing to ensure that legitimate search functionality remains intact while addressing the security flaw. Security teams should also monitor for potential exploitation attempts through network traffic analysis and web application firewall rules that can detect suspicious parameter patterns associated with xss attacks.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the critical importance of input validation in web applications, particularly in search and filtering functionalities where user input is directly processed and displayed. This weakness demonstrates how seemingly minor functionality gaps can create significant security risks in enterprise web applications. Organizations should implement comprehensive security testing procedures including dynamic application security testing and manual penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in their web applications. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the need for defense in depth strategies that combine proper input validation, output encoding, and security monitoring to protect against cross site scripting attacks. Regular security updates and patch management processes become essential for maintaining application security posture and preventing exploitation of known vulnerabilities.