CVE-2023-27149 in osTicket
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
A stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Enhancesoft osTicket v1.17.2 allows attackers to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML via a crafted payload injected into the Label input parameter when updating a custom list.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/16/2025
The stored cross-site scripting vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-27149 exists within Enhancesoft osTicket version 1.17.2, representing a critical security flaw that enables attackers to inject malicious scripts into the application's custom list functionality. This vulnerability specifically manifests when updating custom lists through the Label input parameter, creating a persistent threat vector that can affect all users interacting with the compromised system. The flaw allows malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to unauthorized access, session hijacking, or data exfiltration. The vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which classifies it as a cross-site scripting flaw, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious web content. The stored nature of this vulnerability means that once the malicious payload is injected, it remains persistent in the application's database and will execute whenever users view the affected custom list entries, making it particularly dangerous for widespread impact.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization within the Label parameter processing functionality of the custom list update mechanism. When administrators or users modify custom lists, the application fails to properly sanitize or escape user-supplied input before storing it in the database. This allows attackers to craft malicious payloads containing script tags or other HTML elements that will be executed when legitimate users browse to pages containing the compromised list entries. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the application layer where user-generated content is processed and stored, creating a chain reaction where a single compromised input can affect multiple users over time. The flaw demonstrates poor security practices in input handling and highlights the importance of implementing proper content security measures to prevent malicious code injection.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-27149 extends beyond simple script execution, potentially enabling attackers to escalate privileges, steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or extract sensitive information from the osTicket environment. When combined with other attack vectors, this vulnerability could allow threat actors to gain persistent access to the helpdesk system, potentially compromising all support tickets, user data, and administrative functions. The stored nature of the vulnerability means that even if the initial injection is detected and removed, the malicious code continues to execute for all users who encounter the compromised list entries. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where osTicket serves as a critical communication channel for customer support, as it could be used to intercept sensitive information, manipulate support workflows, or establish backdoors within the organization's infrastructure. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that many organizations rely on osTicket for handling confidential customer information, making this vulnerability a prime target for data breach exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-27149 should focus on immediate patching of the affected osTicket version, implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms, and establishing comprehensive monitoring for suspicious user activities. Organizations should apply the vendor-provided security patches as soon as they become available, while also implementing additional security controls such as web application firewalls and content security policies to prevent malicious script execution. Input sanitization measures should be strengthened to ensure all user-supplied data is properly escaped and validated before being stored in the database, with particular attention to the Label parameter in custom list functionality. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components, while user education programs should emphasize the importance of avoiding suspicious links and content within helpdesk systems. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and monitoring for unauthorized modifications to custom lists can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security practices and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against persistent threats in web applications.