CVE-2020-29028 in GateManager
Summary
by MITRE • 03/06/2021
Cross-site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in web GUI of Secomea GateManager allows an attacker to inject arbitrary javascript code. This issue affects: Secomea GateManager all versions prior to 9.4.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/28/2021
The CVE-2020-29028 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the web graphical user interface of Secomea GateManager network security appliances. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the device's web management interface, creating an exploitable condition where malicious actors can inject arbitrary javascript code into the application's response. The flaw affects all versions of Secomea GateManager prior to version 9.4, indicating that the vendor had not yet implemented proper sanitization measures to prevent malicious script execution within the browser context of authenticated users. The vulnerability operates by failing to properly escape or filter user-supplied input parameters that are subsequently rendered in the web interface without adequate security controls, allowing attackers to manipulate the application's behavior through crafted input sequences.
This XSS vulnerability presents significant operational risks for organizations relying on Secomea GateManager devices for network security management. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute malicious scripts within the context of authenticated user sessions, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive configuration data, modifying device settings, or redirecting users to malicious websites. The impact extends beyond simple script injection as it can enable more sophisticated attacks such as session hijacking, credential theft, or even privilege escalation within the device management interface. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the web GUI component that administrators use for routine management tasks, making it a prime target for exploitation during normal operational hours when administrators are actively managing the system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities in web applications. This classification indicates that the flaw resides in the improper handling of untrusted data within the web application's output generation process, where user input is directly incorporated into dynamic content without appropriate sanitization. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to multiple ATT&CK techniques including T1059.007 for command and script injection and T1566 for phishing with malicious content. The attack vector typically involves sending crafted payloads through web forms, URL parameters, or other input fields within the GateManager's web interface, where the malicious javascript executes in the browser context of legitimate users who access the management interface.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigation strategies focusing on both immediate remediation and long-term security enhancements. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to Secomea GateManager version 9.4 or later, which includes proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms designed to prevent XSS exploitation. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit administrative access to the device's web interface, reducing the attack surface available to potential adversaries. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policy headers and regular security scanning of web applications can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, including unusual traffic patterns or unauthorized configuration changes within the device management interface.