CVE-2019-4409 in Traveler
Summary
by MITRE
HCL Traveler versions 9.x and earlier are susceptible to cross-site scripting attacks. On the Problem Report page of the Traveler servlet pages, there is a field to specify a file attachment to provide additional problem details. An invalid file name returns an error message that includes the entered file name. If the file name is not escaped in the returned error page, it could expose a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/19/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2019-4409 affects HCL Traveler versions 9.x and earlier, representing a classic cross-site scripting flaw that exploits improper input validation and output encoding in web applications. This vulnerability specifically targets the Problem Report page within the Traveler servlet functionality, where users can submit file attachments to provide additional problem details. The flaw arises from the application's handling of error messages that occur when users enter invalid file names during the attachment process. When such invalid file names are submitted, the system generates an error message that incorporates the user-provided input directly into the response without proper sanitization or encoding, creating an exploitable XSS vector.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a failure in the application's input sanitization processes, which is classified under CWE-79 as "Cross-site Scripting" and specifically relates to CWE-80 as "Improper Neutralization of Script-Related HTML Tags in a Web Page." The vulnerability operates by allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code through the file name field, which then executes in the context of other users' browsers when they view the error page containing the unescaped input. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1203 "Exploitation for Client Execution" and represents a significant security risk in web applications where user input is not properly validated and escaped before being rendered in HTML contexts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform session hijacking, steal sensitive information, manipulate application data, or redirect users to malicious websites. In the context of HCL Traveler, which is used for mobile email and collaboration services, this vulnerability could compromise user sessions and potentially allow unauthorized access to corporate email systems. The attack vector is relatively straightforward, requiring only that a user visit the error page containing the malicious input, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may not be security-aware. The vulnerability affects the web interface components of the application, specifically targeting the servlet-based pages that handle user submissions and error reporting, which are critical components of the application's user interaction flow.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-4409 should focus on implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application's user interface components. Organizations should ensure that all user-provided input is properly sanitized and escaped before being rendered in HTML contexts, implementing context-aware encoding for different output scenarios such as HTML, JavaScript, and URL contexts. The recommended approach involves upgrading to HCL Traveler versions 10.0.1 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address this vulnerability. Additionally, organizations should implement web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious input patterns, establish robust input validation routines that reject suspicious characters, and conduct regular security testing including dynamic application security testing to identify similar vulnerabilities. Security teams should also consider implementing content security policies to limit the execution of unauthorized scripts and monitor for anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper input handling in web applications and serves as a reminder that even seemingly benign error messages can represent significant security risks when proper sanitization measures are not implemented.