CVE-2024-36697 in System Software
Summary
by MITRE • 07/10/2025
A cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Admin Login page of Allworx System Software v9.1.9.12 allows attackers to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML via a crafted payload injected into the SessionID parameter at query.asp.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/10/2025
This cross-site scripting vulnerability exists within the administrative login interface of Allworx System Software version 9.1.9.12, specifically affecting the query.asp page where the SessionID parameter is processed. The flaw represents a classic reflected XSS attack vector that enables malicious actors to inject client-side scripts into the web application's response. The vulnerability occurs when the application fails to properly sanitize or encode user-supplied input from the SessionID parameter before returning it to the browser, creating an opportunity for attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of the victim's session. This particular weakness falls under CWE-79 which categorizes improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically addressing the failure to properly encode or escape user-controllable data. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it targets the administrative login page, which typically operates with elevated privileges and access to sensitive system functions. The SessionID parameter serves as a critical entry point for attackers seeking to establish persistent access or escalate privileges within the Allworx system. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which describes the use of scripting languages for execution, specifically targeting web-based interfaces where such scripting can be injected and executed by the victim's browser. The operational impact of this flaw extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable session hijacking, data exfiltration, and potentially full system compromise when combined with other attack vectors. Attackers could craft malicious SessionID values that, when processed by the vulnerable application, would execute malicious JavaScript code in the context of authenticated administrator sessions. This could lead to unauthorized access to system configurations, user data manipulation, or even privilege escalation attacks that leverage the administrative privileges associated with the login interface. The vulnerability's location within the query.asp page suggests that it may affect multiple administrative functions that rely on session management and parameter processing. Security researchers should note that this vulnerability represents a critical risk to organizations relying on Allworx System Software, as the administrative interface typically contains sensitive operational data and control mechanisms. The lack of input validation or output encoding in this critical path creates a persistent threat that can be exploited repeatedly by attackers. Organizations utilizing this software should prioritize immediate remediation through proper parameter sanitization and output encoding techniques. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of implementing robust input validation at all points where user data enters the application, particularly within administrative interfaces where the potential impact of exploitation is greatest. This flaw underscores the necessity of following secure coding practices that prevent the direct inclusion of user-controllable data into web page responses without appropriate sanitization measures.
The vulnerability's exploitation potential is heightened by the fact that it operates on the administrative login page, which typically requires minimal user interaction to reach. Attackers could potentially deliver malicious payloads through phishing campaigns or compromised links that direct administrators to the vulnerable page with crafted SessionID parameters. This approach would leverage the administrator's established session and privileges to execute malicious code with elevated access rights. The reflected nature of the XSS means that the payload must be delivered to the victim through an external source, making this a server-side vulnerability that requires careful input handling. The specific parameter targeted in this case, SessionID, suggests that the application uses session management tokens that are processed and returned to the browser without proper sanitization. This vulnerability directly violates security best practices for web application development, particularly in areas related to session management and input validation. Organizations should implement comprehensive security measures including web application firewalls, input validation layers, and regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities across their infrastructure. The potential for this vulnerability to be chained with other exploits makes it particularly dangerous, as it could provide a foothold for more sophisticated attacks targeting the underlying system architecture. Proper security training for developers on secure coding practices and regular vulnerability scanning should be implemented to prevent similar issues in future releases of the software.