CVE-2024-6367 in LIMS
Summary
by MITRE • 06/27/2024
A vulnerability was found in LabVantage LIMS 2017. It has been declared as problematic. This vulnerability affects unknown code of the file /labvantage/rc?command=file&file=WEB-CORE/elements/files/filesembedded.jsp of the component POST Request Handler. The manipulation of the argument sdcid/keyid1/keyid2/keyid3 leads to cross site scripting. The attack can be initiated remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-269800. NOTE: The vendor was contacted early about this disclosure but did not respond in any way.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/22/2025
This vulnerability resides within LabVantage LIMS 2017 software where a cross site scripting flaw exists in the POST Request Handler component. The specific file path /labvantage/rc?command=file&file=WEB-CORE/elements/files/filesembedded.jsp serves as the attack vector, making this a server-side scripting vulnerability that can be exploited through manipulated input parameters. The vulnerability specifically targets the sdcid/keyid1/keyid2/keyid3 arguments which are processed without adequate sanitization, creating a persistent XSS opportunity. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into the application's response, which then executes in the context of other users' browsers. This represents a critical security weakness that directly violates the principle of input validation and output encoding as defined in CWE-79. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means attackers do not need physical access to the system and can leverage this flaw through web-based attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection as it can enable attackers to hijack user sessions, steal sensitive data, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users, and potentially escalate privileges within the LIMS environment. Given that LabVantage LIMS systems typically handle sensitive laboratory data including research results, regulatory compliance information, and proprietary data, the compromise of such systems could result in significant regulatory violations and data breaches. The vulnerability's classification as a persistent XSS flaw means that malicious scripts can remain active in the application's response, potentially affecting multiple users over extended periods. This type of vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 which covers spearphishing with attachments and T1566.002 which covers spearphishing with links, as attackers can craft malicious URLs that exploit this vulnerability. The fact that the exploit has been publicly disclosed and is potentially in use increases the urgency of remediation efforts.
Organizations utilizing LabVantage LIMS 2017 should immediately implement multiple layers of defense to protect against exploitation of this vulnerability. The primary mitigation involves input validation and sanitization of all parameters received through the POST Request Handler, particularly the sdcid/keyid1/keyid2/keyid3 arguments. Implementing proper output encoding for all dynamic content returned by the application will prevent script execution in user browsers. Additionally, web application firewalls should be configured to detect and block malicious payloads targeting this specific vulnerability. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of the vulnerable system. The vendor's lack of response to early disclosure attempts creates additional risk, emphasizing the need for immediate internal remediation efforts. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the LIMS system. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions to detect exploitation attempts and maintain detailed audit logs of all file operations within the vulnerable file path. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of timely patch management and vendor communication in maintaining secure software environments, as the absence of vendor response leaves organizations vulnerable to potential exploitation.