CVE-2018-17184 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

CVE-2018-17184, published on November 6, 2018, addresses a vulnerability in Apache Syncope that allows an attacker with administrative privileges to execute JavaScript code by inserting it into certain entity names and descriptions.

Understanding CVE-2018-17184

This CVE entry pertains to a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Apache Syncope.

What is CVE-2018-17184?

A user with sufficient administrative privileges can inject HTML-like elements containing JavaScript statements into specific entity names and descriptions. When another privileged user makes edits to these entities through the Admin Console, the injected JavaScript code gets executed.

The Impact of CVE-2018-17184

The vulnerability can lead to information disclosure and potentially allow an attacker to execute malicious scripts within the context of the user's session.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-17184

This section delves into the technical aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw enables an attacker to insert JavaScript code into Connector names, Report names, AnyTypeClass keys, and Policy descriptions, which is then executed when edited by another privileged user.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Apache Syncope
Vendor: Apache Software Foundation
Versions Affected: Apache Syncope releases prior to 2.0.11 and 2.1.2

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability is exploited by inserting malicious JavaScript code into specific entity names and descriptions, taking advantage of the trust placed in administrative users.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2018-17184 involves immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Apache Syncope to version 2.0.11 or 2.1.2 to mitigate the vulnerability.
Regularly monitor and review entity names and descriptions for any suspicious content.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement input validation mechanisms to sanitize user inputs and prevent script injection.
Educate administrators on secure coding practices and the risks associated with XSS vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from Apache Software Foundation and promptly apply patches to address known vulnerabilities.