CVE-2024-49503 in Manager Server Module
Summary
by MITRE • 11/28/2024
A Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation (XSS or 'Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in SUSE manager allows attackers to execute Javascript code in the organization credentials sub page. This issue affects Container suse/manager/5.0/x86_64/server:5.0.2.7.8.1: before 5.0.15-150600.3.10.2; SUSE Manager Server Module 4.3: before 4.3.42-150400.3.52.1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/12/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in SUSE Manager that specifically targets the organization credentials sub page functionality. The improper neutralization of input during web page generation creates an avenue for attackers to inject malicious javascript code that executes within the context of authenticated user sessions. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, where web applications fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into dynamic web content. The attack vector exploits the web application's failure to validate and escape input parameters that are subsequently rendered in the user interface, allowing malicious payloads to persist and execute when legitimate users access the affected pages.
The technical impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it directly compromises the integrity of user sessions and potentially sensitive organizational data. When attackers successfully inject javascript code into the credentials sub page, they can manipulate the application's behavior, steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or even perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. The vulnerability affects specific container versions including suse/manager/5.0/x86_64/server:5.0.2.7.8.1 and SUSE Manager Server Module 4.3, with the affected versions being those prior to 5.0.15-150600.3.10.2 and 4.3.42-150400.3.52.1 respectively. This targeted scope indicates the vulnerability exists within specific code paths related to credential management and user interface generation within the SUSE Manager platform.
The operational implications of this vulnerability are significant for organizations relying on SUSE Manager for system management and orchestration. Attackers who exploit this XSS vulnerability can potentially escalate their access to privileged user accounts, access sensitive system information, or manipulate the configuration of managed systems. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability affects the credentials sub page, which likely contains sensitive authentication and authorization data. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1531 Access Token Manipulation and T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, as attackers can leverage the executed javascript to perform further malicious activities within the compromised environment. Organizations may experience unauthorized access, data exfiltration, or system compromise if this vulnerability is exploited in the wild.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of affected SUSE Manager versions to the recommended secure releases. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms across all user-facing interfaces, particularly those handling credential management data. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect anomalous javascript injection patterns and suspicious user behavior within the SUSE Manager environment. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar input validation gaps in other web applications within the organization's infrastructure. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policy headers and using secure coding practices that prevent direct injection of user-supplied data into web page content can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. Security teams should also establish incident response procedures specifically addressing XSS vulnerabilities to ensure rapid detection and remediation of similar threats.