CVE-2023-52046 in Webmin
Summary
by MITRE • 01/25/2024
Cross Site Scripting vulnerability (XSS) in webmin v.2.105 and earlier allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code via a crafted payload to the "Execute cron job as" tab Input field.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/18/2024
This cross site scripting vulnerability exists in webmin version 2.105 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code through malicious input manipulation. The vulnerability specifically targets the "Execute cron job as" tab input field, which fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing. This weakness creates an avenue for attackers to inject malicious scripts that can be executed in the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The flaw falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross Site Scripting, which is classified as a common vulnerability in web applications that fail to properly validate and escape user input. The attack vector leverages the standard webmin administrative interface where users can schedule cron jobs, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by unauthorized parties to gain elevated privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the webmin application's cron job execution functionality. When administrators or users interact with the "Execute cron job as" tab, the application does not adequately filter or escape special characters in the input field, allowing attackers to inject malicious javascript code. This code injection occurs because the system fails to implement proper sanitization routines that would neutralize potentially harmful input patterns before they are processed or displayed. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited by unauthenticated attackers who can craft malicious payloads that, when processed by the webmin interface, execute arbitrary commands on the target system. The attack chain typically involves the injection of javascript code that can redirect users to malicious sites, steal session cookies, or execute commands with the privileges of the webmin user.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent access to the compromised system. Successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and privilege escalation within the webmin environment. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to inject malicious scripts that persist across user sessions, potentially allowing for long-term surveillance or unauthorized system manipulation. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on webmin for system administration, as it can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to critical system resources and potentially spread to other systems within the network. This weakness particularly impacts environments where webmin is used for cron job management, as the vulnerability specifically targets this functionality, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise system integrity and availability.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of webmin installations to version 2.106 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes to prevent the input sanitization failures. Organizations should implement proper input validation mechanisms that filter and escape special characters before processing user input, particularly in administrative interfaces. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of webmin services to trusted networks only. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and content security policies can provide additional layers of protection against similar vulnerabilities. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patched systems to ensure that the vulnerability has been properly addressed without introducing new issues. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious activities related to cron job execution and administrative interface access patterns. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other applications and systems that may present comparable risks to the organization's overall security posture.