CVE-2023-49573 in VX Search Enterprise
Summary
by MITRE • 05/24/2024
A vulnerability has been discovered in VX Search Enterprise affecting version 10.2.14 that could allow an attacker to execute persistent XSS through /add_command_action in action_value. This vulnerability could allow an attacker to store malicious JavaScript payloads on the system to be triggered when the page loads.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/28/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-49573 represents a critical persistent cross-site scripting flaw within VX Search Enterprise version 10.2.14. This security weakness resides in the /add_command_action endpoint where the action_value parameter fails to properly sanitize user input, creating an opportunity for attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code into the application's command execution framework. The flaw specifically affects the application's handling of command actions where user-supplied values are directly processed without adequate validation or encoding mechanisms, making it susceptible to injection attacks that can persist across user sessions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the action_value parameter within the add_command_action endpoint, which allows attackers to store malicious payloads directly within the application's data storage mechanisms. When legitimate users access pages that load these stored commands, the injected JavaScript executes in their browser context, potentially enabling attackers to perform unauthorized actions on behalf of victims. This persistent nature means that the malicious code remains active until manually removed from the system, creating a long-term security risk for all users who encounter the compromised content.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations using VX Search Enterprise as it enables attackers to establish persistent footholds within their systems. The stored XSS vulnerability allows for the execution of arbitrary JavaScript code, which can be leveraged to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform actions within the application's context. The attack surface expands due to the persistence mechanism, as the malicious code executes automatically whenever affected pages are loaded, potentially compromising user credentials and system integrity. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-79 which defines cross-site scripting as a common weakness in web applications where untrusted data is improperly handled.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the ATT&CK framework, particularly under the T1566 technique for Initial Access through malicious input and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter attacks. The persistent nature of the vulnerability creates opportunities for attackers to establish more sophisticated attack chains, potentially leading to privilege escalation or lateral movement within the network. Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation of this vulnerability through patching or implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms at the application level. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of implementing proper security controls around command execution frameworks and user input handling to prevent similar issues in other enterprise applications.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of VX Search Enterprise to version 10.2.15 or later, which addresses this specific XSS vulnerability through proper input sanitization and validation. Organizations should also implement comprehensive input validation controls that enforce strict parameter checking and sanitize all user-supplied data before processing. Additional protective measures include implementing content security policies to prevent execution of unauthorized scripts, regular security scanning of web applications, and monitoring for suspicious command execution patterns. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation in enterprise applications, particularly those handling user-generated content or command execution frameworks.