CVE-2021-35238 in Orion Platform
Summary
by MITRE • 09/01/2021
User with Orion Platform Admin Rights could store XSS through URL POST parameter in CreateExternalWebsite website.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/05/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-35238 represents a cross-site scripting weakness within the Orion Platform that specifically affects users possessing administrative privileges. This flaw exists in the CreateExternalWebsite functionality where the platform fails to properly sanitize user input received through POST parameters in URL handling. The vulnerability allows authenticated administrators to inject malicious scripts into website creation processes, creating a persistent security risk that can be exploited by attackers who have gained administrative access to the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the Orion Platform's web application framework. When administrators create external websites through the platform interface, the system accepts URL parameters without sufficient sanitization, allowing malicious payloads to be stored and executed within the context of other users' sessions. This particular weakness manifests in the POST parameter handling where the application does not properly escape or validate URL content before storing it in the database or rendering it in subsequent web responses. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and more broadly with CWE-20 which encompasses input validation issues that lead to security vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it provides attackers with a persistent vector for maintaining access and conducting further exploitation within the compromised environment. Once an attacker with administrative privileges exploits this vulnerability, they can inject malicious JavaScript code that executes in the context of other users' browsers, potentially enabling session hijacking, data exfiltration, or redirection to malicious sites. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it leverages existing administrative privileges, meaning that successful exploitation does not require additional authentication steps. This vulnerability can be classified under ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers social engineering attacks, specifically focusing on the manipulation of web applications to execute malicious code against unsuspecting users.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate implementation of proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the Orion Platform's web application. The platform must enforce strict sanitization of all URL parameters received through POST requests, particularly those used in website creation processes. Organizations should implement Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution and establish robust input validation routines that filter out potentially malicious payloads before they are stored or rendered. Additionally, regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar input validation gaps within the platform. The remediation process should include updating the platform to versions that address this specific vulnerability while implementing comprehensive logging and monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls to provide additional protection layers against such attacks, ensuring that the platform's security posture remains resilient against evolving threat landscapes.