CVE-2023-39266 in Switch
Summary
by MITRE • 08/29/2023
A vulnerability in the ArubaOS-Switch web management interface could allow an unauthenticated remote attacker to conduct a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) attack against a user of the interface provided certain configuration options are present. A successful exploit could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary script code in a victim's browser in the context of the affected interface.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/22/2023
This vulnerability resides within the ArubaOS-Switch web management interface, representing a critical stored cross-site scripting flaw that undermines the security posture of network infrastructure devices. The vulnerability specifically targets the web-based administrative interface used to manage Aruba switching hardware, creating a persistent threat vector that can affect multiple users who interact with the management console. The flaw manifests when certain configuration options are enabled, suggesting that specific deployment scenarios increase the attack surface rather than affecting all installations uniformly. This stored XSS vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that persist within the application's data storage, making the threat particularly dangerous as it can affect any user who views the compromised content.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding within the web interface's handling of user-supplied data. When legitimate users access the management interface, they become vulnerable to scripts that have been previously stored in the system's database or configuration files. The attack requires no authentication from the attacker, as the vulnerability exists in the web interface itself rather than requiring access to administrative credentials. This characteristic places the vulnerability in the category of server-side XSS attacks where the malicious payload is stored and later executed in the context of the victim's browser session. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which defines cross-site scripting as a common weakness in web applications where untrusted data is improperly handled and executed as code within the browser.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities within the compromised browser environment. An attacker could potentially steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, modify interface content, or even escalate privileges if the management interface provides administrative functions. The persistent nature of stored XSS means that once the malicious script is injected, it will execute every time a user accesses the affected interface, creating a long-term threat vector that can persist even after the initial attack window has closed. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of network management operations, potentially allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to network configurations and sensitive operational data.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms within the web interface. Organizations should immediately apply vendor-provided patches or updates that address the specific XSS vulnerability in the ArubaOS-Switch interface. Network segmentation and access controls should be enhanced to limit exposure of the management interface to trusted networks only, reducing the attack surface available to potential adversaries. Regular security assessments should be conducted to identify other potential injection points within the management interface, and input validation should be strengthened across all user-facing components. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing comprehensive security testing procedures for web-based administrative interfaces. Organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and prevent XSS attack patterns, and establish monitoring procedures to identify unauthorized modifications to management interface content. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under web application attacks with potential for privilege escalation and credential theft, making it a high-priority target for security teams to address through both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements.