CVE-2023-51157 in WDMS
Summary
by MITRE • 09/25/2024
Cross Site Scripting vulnerability in ZKTeco WDMS v.5.1.3 Pro allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code and obtain sensitive information via a crafted script to the Emp Name parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/09/2025
The CVE-2023-51157 vulnerability represents a critical cross site scripting flaw discovered in ZKTeco WDMS version 5.1.3 Pro, a widely used workforce management system that integrates with biometric attendance devices and employee management functionalities. This vulnerability specifically affects the Emp Name parameter within the application's input handling mechanisms, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on this software for personnel management and attendance tracking. The vulnerability exists within the web application's user interface where employee names are processed and displayed, making it a prime target for malicious actors seeking to exploit the system's input validation weaknesses.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient output escaping and input sanitization within the WDMS application's web interface. When a remote attacker crafts a malicious script and submits it through the Emp Name parameter, the application fails to properly validate or escape the input before rendering it in the user interface. This creates an environment where the malicious payload can be executed within the context of a victim's browser session, potentially allowing attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code that can manipulate the application's behavior or steal sensitive information. The vulnerability manifests as a classic reflected cross site scripting issue where the malicious script is reflected back to the user through the application's response without proper sanitization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the organization's workforce management infrastructure. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of legitimate users, or access sensitive employee data that the application handles. The consequences are particularly severe for organizations using ZKTeco WDMS for critical HR functions, as the vulnerability could enable attackers to manipulate attendance records, access personal employee information, or even escalate privileges within the system. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where multiple users access the system simultaneously, as the reflected nature of the XSS attack can be triggered through various user interactions.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and output encoding for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in display contexts. The recommended approach involves implementing strict input sanitization that filters out potentially dangerous characters and sequences, combined with proper output encoding that ensures malicious payloads cannot be executed when rendered in the browser. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing a web application firewall to detect and block malicious payloads attempting to exploit this vulnerability. The implementation of content security policies and regular security assessments of the WDMS application can further reduce the risk of exploitation. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which defines cross site scripting as a weakness that occurs when an application includes untrusted data in a new web page without proper validation or escaping, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script execution through web applications.
Organizations should prioritize updating to the latest version of ZKTeco WDMS where this vulnerability has been addressed, as the vendor has likely released patches or hotfixes to resolve the input validation issues. Security teams should also implement monitoring for suspicious user activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly around the Emp Name parameter usage. Regular vulnerability scanning and penetration testing of the WDMS application should be conducted to identify similar input validation weaknesses that might exist in other parameters or functions. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that the applied fixes do not break existing functionality while effectively addressing the XSS vulnerability. System administrators should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential damage if exploitation occurs, particularly for systems containing sensitive employee data.