CVE-2019-3481 in Arcsight Logger
Summary
by MITRE
Mitigates a XML External Entity Parsing issue in ArcSight Logger versions prior to 6.7.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/07/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-3481 represents a critical XML External Entity (XXE) parsing flaw affecting ArcSight Logger versions prior to 6.7. This issue stems from the software's insufficient input validation when processing XML data, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system through crafted XML payloads. The vulnerability falls under the category of insecure deserialization and specifically aligns with CWE-611, which addresses improper restriction of XML external entity reference processing. The flaw exists in the application's XML parser implementation where external entities are not properly sanitized, allowing attackers to reference external resources during XML processing operations.
The technical exploitation of this XXE vulnerability enables attackers to perform various malicious activities including server-side request forgery attacks, internal network reconnaissance, and potentially unauthorized data access. When the vulnerable system processes XML data containing external entity references, it can be coerced into making unintended network requests to internal or external systems. This capability allows threat actors to bypass network segmentation controls and access sensitive internal resources that would normally be restricted. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise security environments where ArcSight Logger serves as a centralized log management and analysis platform, as it could provide attackers with access to critical security event data and potentially escalate privileges within the security infrastructure.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-3481 extends beyond simple data exposure, as it can facilitate more sophisticated attacks within the security ecosystem. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability can potentially access log data containing sensitive information such as authentication credentials, system configurations, and security event details that are crucial for maintaining organizational security posture. The vulnerability's presence in ArcSight Logger creates a significant risk for organizations relying on this platform for security monitoring, as it could allow adversaries to compromise the integrity of security logs and potentially manipulate security event data. This issue directly impacts the CIA triad, particularly affecting confidentiality and integrity of security information. Organizations using affected versions of ArcSight Logger should consider this vulnerability as a potential entry point for advanced persistent threats that could target their security infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-3481 primarily focus on upgrading to ArcSight Logger version 6.7 or later, which includes proper XML parsing controls and external entity validation. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation measures for all XML processing components and disable external entity resolution in XML parsers. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit potential attack vectors, while security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous XML processing activities. The implementation of web application firewalls and XML security filters can provide additional layers of protection against XXE attacks. Security teams should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their ArcSight Logger deployments and ensure proper configuration management to prevent similar issues in other components of their security infrastructure. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining current security patches and implementing robust XML processing controls as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.