CVE-2024-36498 in Scan2Net
Summary
by MITRE • 12/12/2024
Due to missing input sanitization, an attacker can perform cross-site-scripting attacks and run arbitrary Javascript in the browser of other users. The "Edit Disclaimer Text" function of the configuration menu is vulnerable to stored XSS. Only the users Poweruser and Admin can use this function which is available at the URL
https://$SCANNER/cgi/admin.cgi?-rdisclaimer+-apre
The stored Javascript payload will be executed every time the ScanWizard is loaded, even in the Kiosk-mode browser. Version 7.40 implemented a fix, but it could be bypassed via URL-encoding the Javascript payload again.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/12/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical stored cross-site scripting flaw that allows attackers to execute arbitrary javascript code within the browsers of authenticated users. The issue manifests specifically within the "Edit Disclaimer Text" functionality of the administrative configuration interface, where insufficient input sanitization permits malicious payloads to be permanently stored and subsequently executed. The attack vector targets users with Poweruser and Admin privileges who can access the vulnerable endpoint at https://$SCANNER/cgi/admin.cgi?-rdisclaimer+-apre, making this a significant threat to system security as it affects high-privilege accounts. The vulnerability's persistence stems from the stored nature of the XSS attack, meaning that once a malicious payload is injected, it executes automatically every time the affected page loads, including during ScanWizard operations and even in Kiosk-mode browser environments where users might expect heightened security.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which defines cross-site scripting as a weakness where untrusted data is sent to a web browser without proper validation or sanitization. The flaw operates through the improper handling of user input within the disclaimer text editing functionality, allowing attackers to inject malicious javascript code that gets stored server-side and later served to other users who access the affected pages. This particular implementation demonstrates a classic stored XSS pattern where the attack payload is not reflected in the HTTP response but rather stored in the application's database or configuration files, making it particularly dangerous as it can affect multiple users over time.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over user sessions and potentially allows for privilege escalation. The fact that the payload executes during ScanWizard loading operations, even in Kiosk-mode environments, indicates the attack's broad reach and persistence potential. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to steal session cookies, modify user permissions, or redirect users to malicious sites, effectively compromising the entire administrative interface. The vulnerability's ability to bypass the initial version 7.40 fix through URL encoding demonstrates sophisticated evasion techniques that attackers can employ to circumvent basic security measures.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should include comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms that sanitize all user-supplied data before storage or rendering. Implementing Content Security Policy headers, proper HTML escaping, and strict input validation controls would prevent malicious javascript from being executed in the browser context. The solution must address both the original flaw and its bypass techniques, requiring robust sanitization routines that can detect and neutralize encoded payloads. Additionally, privileged user sessions should implement additional security measures such as multi-factor authentication and session management controls to minimize the impact if such vulnerabilities are exploited. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and regular security scanning to identify and remediate similar issues before they can be exploited in production environments.