CVE-2019-9539 in Automated Message Handling System
Summary
by MITRE
: Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in ModalWindowPopup.asp 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.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/04/2020
The vulnerability described in CVE-2019-9539 represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the Telos Automated Message Handling System's ModalWindowPopup.asp component. This weakness falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-79 which specifically addresses improper neutralization of input during web page generation. The vulnerability exists in versions of the system prior to 4.1.5.5, indicating that Telos had already identified and addressed this security gap in their subsequent releases. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious scripts into AMHS sessions, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on this automated message handling infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding within the ModalWindowPopup.asp file. When user-supplied data is processed and subsequently rendered in web pages without proper sanitization, attackers can craft malicious payloads that execute within the context of other users' sessions. This particular flaw operates as a reflected cross-site scripting vulnerability where attacker-controlled input is directly embedded into web responses without appropriate HTML escaping or encoding mechanisms. The attack vector requires minimal privileges since it operates over network protocols and does not require authentication to the system itself.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to hijack user sessions, steal sensitive information, modify data, or redirect users to malicious websites. In the context of an Automated Message Handling System, this presents a serious risk since such systems often process sensitive communications and may contain confidential data. The vulnerability can be exploited through various means including crafted web requests, malicious links sent via email, or through compromised user accounts that interact with the affected system. Organizations using affected versions face potential data breaches, unauthorized access to communication channels, and possible system compromise through session hijacking techniques.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching to version 4.1.5.5 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should also implement comprehensive input validation mechanisms and output encoding for all user-supplied data entering the system. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by limiting the permissions of the affected web application components. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions can help detect unusual traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar issues in other components of their automated message handling infrastructure. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policy headers and using web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection against similar cross-site scripting attacks. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1059.007 for Scripting, highlighting the need for defensive measures against malicious script execution within web environments.