CVE-2019-9538 in Automated Message Handling System
Summary
by MITRE
: Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in the LDAP cbURL parameter of Telos Automated Message Handling System allows a remote attacker to inject arbitrary script into an AMHS session. This issue affects: Telos Automated Message Handling System versions prior to 4.1.5.5.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/04/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9538 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Telos Automated Message Handling System that stems from improper input validation during web page generation processes. This weakness specifically manifests in the LDAP cbURL parameter, creating an attack vector that enables remote adversaries to inject malicious scripts into AMHS sessions. The vulnerability exists in versions prior to 4.1.5.5, indicating that organizations running older iterations of this automated message handling system remain exposed to potential exploitation. The flaw fundamentally compromises the integrity of web-based user interfaces by failing to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into dynamically generated web content, thereby violating core web application security principles.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting conditions where input data is not properly neutralized during web page generation. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious payloads that contain script code within the cbURL parameter of LDAP requests, which are then processed and reflected back to other users within the AMHS environment. This creates a persistent threat where legitimate users may unknowingly execute malicious code when their browsers render pages containing the injected scripts. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and leverages the trust relationship between the web application and its users, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited without requiring elevated privileges or extensive system access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform session hijacking, steal user credentials, redirect users to malicious websites, or execute arbitrary commands within the context of the victim's browser session. In the context of an automated message handling system, this weakness could compromise sensitive communication workflows and potentially allow adversaries to intercept or manipulate critical messaging operations. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors can exploit this vulnerability from anywhere on the network without requiring physical access to the system, making it particularly attractive for widespread exploitation campaigns. Organizations utilizing affected versions of Telos AMHS face significant risk of unauthorized access and data compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-9538 should prioritize immediate patch deployment to versions 4.1.5.5 or later, which contain the necessary input sanitization measures to prevent script injection attacks. Additionally, implementing comprehensive input validation mechanisms that filter and escape all user-supplied data before processing can provide defense-in-depth protection against similar vulnerabilities. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of vulnerable components, while regular security assessments and penetration testing can help identify potential attack vectors. The implementation of web application firewalls and content security policies can further reduce the risk of exploitation, and organizations should establish monitoring procedures to detect anomalous network traffic patterns that may indicate attempted exploitation of this vulnerability. This remediation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script injection and emphasizes the importance of input validation as a fundamental security control.