CVE-2021-26596 in NetAct
Summary
by MITRE • 03/25/2021
An issue was discovered in Nokia NetAct 18A. A malicious user can change a filename of an uploaded file to include JavaScript code, which is then stored and executed by a victim's web browser. The most common mechanism for delivering malicious content is to include it as a parameter in a URL that is posted publicly or e-mailed directly to victims. Here, the /netact/sct filename parameter is used.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/05/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-26596 resides within Nokia NetAct 18A, a network management and automation platform widely deployed in telecommunications environments. This security flaw represents a critical server-side request forgery vulnerability that allows attackers to manipulate file upload processes through malicious filename manipulation. The issue specifically affects the /netact/sct endpoint where the filename parameter is processed without adequate input validation or sanitization measures. The vulnerability stems from inadequate security controls that fail to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied filenames during the file upload process, creating an environment where malicious actors can inject and execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of victim browsers.
This vulnerability operates through a sophisticated attack vector that leverages the web application's file handling mechanisms to execute malicious code in the victim's browser context. The attack begins when a malicious user crafts a filename containing JavaScript code and uploads it through the vulnerable endpoint. The system stores this manipulated filename without proper sanitization, and when the file is subsequently accessed or processed, the embedded JavaScript executes within the victim's browser session. This creates a persistent cross-site scripting vulnerability that can be exploited across multiple users within the same network management environment, particularly affecting administrators who regularly interact with the NetAct platform.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including credential theft, session hijacking, and data exfiltration from the network management infrastructure. The attack delivery mechanism relies on URL-based exploitation where malicious parameters are embedded in URLs that can be shared publicly or delivered via email, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where administrators frequently interact with network management systems. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the NetAct platform's file handling capabilities, potentially compromising the integrity of network management operations and exposing sensitive network configuration data to unauthorized access.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of CWE-79 which describes cross-site scripting flaws, and the ATT&CK framework's T1566 technique for Phishing with Malicious Attachments. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic example of insufficient input validation and improper output encoding, which are fundamental security weaknesses that require immediate remediation. Organizations should implement comprehensive mitigations including strict filename validation, input sanitization, and output encoding controls that prevent JavaScript code from being stored or executed within the application environment. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure, while regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other network management systems and applications.
The remediation approach must address both the immediate technical flaw and the broader security architecture considerations within the Nokia NetAct platform. Organizations should implement proper input validation that rejects filenames containing potentially malicious content, enforce strict file type restrictions, and ensure that all user-supplied parameters are properly sanitized before processing. Additionally, the implementation of web application firewalls and security monitoring systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Regular security updates and patches should be applied to address the underlying vulnerability, while administrative access controls should be strengthened to limit the attack surface. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in enterprise network management systems, particularly those handling sensitive operational data and configuration information.