CVE-2019-3708 in IsilonSD Management Server
Summary
by MITRE
IsilonSD Management Server 1.1.0 contains a cross-site scripting vulnerability while uploading an OVA file. A remote attacker can trick an admin user to potentially exploit this vulnerability to execute malicious HTML or JavaScript code in the context of the admin user.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/28/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-3708 affects the IsilonSD Management Server version 1.1.0, specifically within its OVA file upload functionality. This represents a critical security flaw that directly impacts the server's ability to process and validate user-supplied data. The issue stems from inadequate input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms within the management interface, creating an environment where malicious code can be injected and subsequently executed. The vulnerability exists in the server's handling of OVA file metadata and associated parameters during the upload process, where user-controllable inputs are not properly validated or escaped before being rendered in web responses.
Cross-site scripting vulnerabilities of this nature fall under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-79, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of input during web page generation. The attack vector leverages social engineering techniques where a remote attacker must convince a legitimate administrator to perform an action that triggers the vulnerable code path. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it requires human interaction but can result in complete administrative compromise. The attack occurs when an admin user uploads a maliciously crafted OVA file that contains embedded JavaScript or HTML code within its metadata fields. When the management interface processes and displays this information, the malicious code executes within the context of the admin user's session, potentially allowing full control over the management server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to escalate privileges and access sensitive administrative functions. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can manipulate the management server configuration, potentially leading to data loss, unauthorized access to connected storage systems, or complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects the server's integrity and availability, as malicious actors can inject code that modifies server behavior or disrupts normal operations. The risk is amplified by the fact that administrators typically have elevated privileges and the server likely contains sensitive configuration data, user credentials, or access controls that can be leveraged for further attacks. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as the malicious code execution occurs through web-based scripting languages.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-3708 should focus on implementing robust input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the management server's upload handling code. Organizations should immediately apply vendor patches or updates that address the specific XSS vulnerability in the OVA upload functionality. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit administrative access to the management server, reducing the potential impact of successful exploitation. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the system. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers and proper input sanitization routines can provide additional protection against similar attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing automated monitoring for suspicious upload activities and establish procedures for validating the integrity of uploaded files through checksum verification or other security measures. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and the need for comprehensive security testing throughout the software development lifecycle to prevent such issues from reaching production environments.