CVE-2023-40705 in Web Client
Summary
by MITRE • 09/05/2023
Stored cross-site scripting vulnerability in Map setting page of VI Web Client prior to 7.9.6 allows a remote authenticated attacker to inject an arbitrary script.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/01/2023
This vulnerability exists within the VI Web Client application's map setting page functionality in versions prior to 7.9.6, representing a critical stored cross-site scripting flaw that enables remote authenticated attackers to execute malicious scripts within the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the web application's user interface components, specifically affecting the map configuration settings where user-provided data is stored and subsequently rendered without proper sanitization. The flaw allows an attacker with valid credentials to inject malicious JavaScript code through the map settings interface, which then gets stored on the server and executed whenever other users access the affected page, creating a persistent threat vector that can compromise user sessions and potentially escalate privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-079 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, where the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into dynamically generated web content. This weakness creates a persistent XSS attack surface that operates through the application's data persistence mechanism rather than a typical reflected XSS scenario. The vulnerability manifests when an attacker authenticates to the system and navigates to the map settings page, where they can input malicious script payloads that are stored in the application's database or configuration files. When other legitimate users access the same map settings page, the stored malicious code executes in their browser context, potentially stealing session cookies, redirecting users to malicious sites, or performing unauthorized actions on behalf of the victim. The attack requires authentication but does not necessitate additional privileges beyond normal user access, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may have elevated permissions within the application context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can serve as a launching point for more sophisticated attacks within the targeted environment. Attackers can leverage this flaw to establish persistent access through session hijacking, execute arbitrary commands on behalf of users, or redirect victims to phishing sites that can harvest additional credentials. The stored nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious payload remains active until manually removed from the application's configuration, potentially affecting multiple users over extended periods. This vulnerability directly maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1566.001 - Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment and T1071.001 - Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols, where the malicious code can be used to establish command and control channels or exfiltrate sensitive data from the compromised user sessions. The impact is particularly severe in enterprise environments where the VI Web Client may be used for critical operational tasks and where users may have access to sensitive operational data or systems.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to VI Web Client version 7.9.6 or later, which includes proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent script injection. Additional defensive measures include implementing robust content security policies that restrict script execution, deploying web application firewalls to monitor and filter malicious payloads, and conducting regular security assessments of web application components. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of input sanitization and output encoding practices in web development, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing including dynamic application security testing and manual penetration testing of user interface components. Security teams should monitor for exploitation attempts and implement user access controls to limit the scope of potential impact, while also ensuring that all users are educated about the risks of executing untrusted code within the application environment. The remediation process should include thorough testing of the update to ensure that existing functionality remains intact while the XSS vulnerability is properly addressed through proper input validation and output encoding implementations that align with industry security standards and best practices.