CVE-2020-11499 in Firmware Analysis
Summary
by MITRE
Firmware Analysis and Comparison Tool (FACT) 3 has Stored XSS when updating analysis details via a localhost web request, as demonstrated by mishandling of the tags and version fields in helperFunctions/mongo_task_conversion.py.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/13/2024
The Firmware Analysis and Comparison Tool (FACT) version 3 presents a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability that arises from inadequate input validation within its web interface. This vulnerability specifically manifests when users attempt to update analysis details through localhost web requests, creating a persistent security risk that can be exploited by attackers who gain access to the tool's web interface or can manipulate local network traffic. The flaw is particularly concerning because it occurs within the core data processing functions of the tool, specifically in the helperFunctions/mongo_task_conversion.py file where user-supplied data is not properly sanitized before being stored and subsequently rendered in web contexts. The vulnerability affects both the tags and version fields, which are commonly used by analysts to categorize and track firmware analysis results, making this attack vector particularly dangerous for security researchers who rely on FACT for their work.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input containing script tags within the tags or version fields during the analysis update process. When the FACT web application processes these inputs and stores them in its database, the malicious code becomes persistent within the system. Subsequently, when other users view the affected analysis details through the web interface, the stored scripts execute in their browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. This stored XSS vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires no special privileges to exploit, as it leverages the legitimate web interface functionality that normal users would access during routine analysis tasks. The attack chain typically involves a user with access to the FACT web interface submitting malicious content, which is then rendered to other users who view the analysis results, making it a particularly insidious threat in collaborative security environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can compromise the integrity of security research data and potentially provide attackers with unauthorized access to sensitive analysis information. Security researchers who depend on FACT for firmware analysis may unknowingly expose their systems to attacks when viewing analysis results containing malicious payloads, potentially leading to the compromise of entire research environments. The vulnerability is particularly problematic in organizations where multiple analysts collaborate on firmware analysis projects, as a single compromised analysis task can affect all users who view that data. Additionally, since the vulnerability occurs in a localhost context, attackers may be able to exploit it through local network reconnaissance or by compromising systems that have FACT running locally, making it relevant for both internal and external threat actors. This vulnerability represents a significant risk to the confidentiality and integrity of security research data, as it allows attackers to inject malicious code that can persist across system sessions and potentially exfiltrate sensitive information.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing comprehensive input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms within the FACT application's data processing pipeline. The most effective approach involves applying strict validation rules to all user-supplied data, particularly in the tags and version fields, ensuring that any potentially malicious content is removed or encoded before storage. Organizations should implement Content Security Policy headers to prevent execution of unauthorized scripts in web interfaces, while also applying proper HTML encoding to all dynamic content rendered in the browser. Regular security updates and patches should be applied to FACT installations, with particular attention to the helperFunctions/mongo_task_conversion.py file and related data processing functions. System administrators should monitor web application logs for suspicious activity and consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block potential XSS attack attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and could be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for scripting languages, as the exploitation relies on the execution of malicious scripts within the web browser context. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments of their firmware analysis tools to identify similar vulnerabilities that may exist in other components of their security infrastructure.