CVE-2019-9509 in Avocent UMG-4000
Summary
by MITRE
The web interface of the Vertiv Avocent UMG-4000 version 4.2.1.19 is vulnerable to reflected XSS in an HTTP POST parameter. The web application does not neutralize user-controllable input before displaying to users in a web page, which could allow a remote attacker authenticated with a user account to execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/12/2024
The Vertiv Avocent UMG-4000 is a network management device designed for remote monitoring and management of critical infrastructure equipment. This particular vulnerability exists within the device's web interface version 4.2.1.19, representing a significant security weakness that could be exploited by authenticated attackers. The device operates in environments where security is paramount, making such vulnerabilities particularly concerning for organizations responsible for maintaining critical infrastructure. The web interface serves as the primary means of configuration and monitoring, making it a valuable target for attackers seeking to compromise the system. The vulnerability specifically affects the HTTP POST parameter handling within the web application, creating a pathway for malicious input to be executed within the context of the victim's browser session.
The technical flaw manifests as a reflected cross-site scripting vulnerability that occurs when the web application fails to properly sanitize user-controllable input before rendering it in web pages. This particular vulnerability is classified as CWE-79, which represents one of the most common and dangerous web application security flaws. When an authenticated user submits a malicious POST parameter to the affected web interface, the application reflects this input back to the user's browser without proper input validation or output encoding. The vulnerability requires authentication, meaning an attacker must first obtain valid user credentials to exploit it, but once authenticated, the attack can be executed within the context of the victim's session. This creates a scenario where the attacker can leverage the victim's privileges to execute malicious code, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it allows for the potential takeover of user sessions and unauthorized access to sensitive system information. The reflected nature of the XSS attack means that the malicious payload is executed immediately when the victim navigates to a page containing the crafted input, making it particularly dangerous in environments where administrators frequently interact with web interfaces. An attacker could craft malicious payloads that steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or even inject additional malicious code that persists within the web application. The vulnerability's presence in a device used for critical infrastructure management means that successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to network monitoring systems, potentially allowing attackers to disrupt operations or gain access to sensitive operational data. Organizations using this device in production environments face significant risk if this vulnerability remains unpatched.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the affected firmware version 4.2.1.19, as Vertiv Avocent has likely released updates addressing this specific issue. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, ensuring that even if an attacker gains access to one system, they cannot easily move laterally within the network. Input validation and output encoding should be implemented at the application level to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future, with all user-controllable inputs being properly sanitized before being processed or displayed. The security community should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious POST parameters attempting to exploit this vulnerability. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities within the broader network infrastructure. Organizations should also implement strict access control policies, ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to the web interface, and that multi-factor authentication is enforced to reduce the likelihood of credential compromise. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script injection highlights the importance of implementing comprehensive application security controls to prevent such attacks from succeeding in enterprise environments.