Source: cve@mitre.org
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in ESRI ArcGIS for Server 10.1 allow remote authenticated users to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors.
ESRI ArcGIS for Server 10.1 is vulnerable to multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by legitimate users. This could lead to account compromise, data theft, or complete system takeover if exploited successfully. The vulnerability requires authenticated access, but the impact is significant due to the widespread use of ArcGIS in various organizations.
Step 1: Authentication: The attacker must first authenticate to the ArcGIS for Server instance. This is a prerequisite for exploiting the XSS vulnerabilities.
Step 2: Payload Injection: The attacker crafts a malicious payload (JavaScript code) designed to execute within the context of the ArcGIS for Server web application. This payload is injected into a specific input field or parameter within the application. The exact vector depends on the specific vulnerability.
Step 3: Data Storage/Processing: The attacker's crafted payload is then stored within the ArcGIS for Server system (e.g., in a database, configuration file, or user profile) or processed by the server.
Step 4: Victim Interaction: A legitimate user interacts with the ArcGIS for Server web application. This interaction triggers the vulnerable code path where the attacker's payload is rendered in the user's browser.
Step 5: Payload Execution: The victim's browser executes the attacker's JavaScript payload. This allows the attacker to perform actions such as stealing the user's session cookies, redirecting the user to a malicious website, or defacing the web application.
The root cause of CVE-2013-5222 lies in insufficient input validation and output encoding within the ArcGIS for Server 10.1 application. Specifically, the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data before rendering it in the web browser. This allows attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code into web pages viewed by other users. The lack of proper input validation allows malicious payloads to bypass security checks, and the absence of output encoding (e.g., HTML escaping) prevents the browser from interpreting the injected code as plain text, leading to XSS execution. The unspecified vectors indicate that the vulnerabilities exist in multiple locations within the application, likely related to how user-provided data is handled in different modules or functionalities. The vulnerability is triggered when the application processes user-supplied data, such as form inputs, search queries, or data used in map visualizations, and then renders that data in the user's browser without proper sanitization.
While no specific APTs are definitively linked to the exploitation of this specific CVE, XSS vulnerabilities are commonly used by various threat actors. The impact of successful exploitation (e.g., account compromise, data theft) makes it attractive for both financially motivated and state-sponsored actors. This CVE is not listed in the CISA KEV database, but the underlying vulnerability type (XSS) is frequently targeted.
Web application firewall (WAF) logs showing suspicious HTTP requests containing JavaScript payloads (e.g., <script>, onerror, onload).
Server-side logs indicating unusual activity related to user input, such as excessive length or unexpected characters in form fields or query parameters.
Network traffic analysis revealing unusual HTTP requests with malicious payloads.
Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) alerts triggered by suspicious patterns in web server logs or network traffic.
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) systems detecting suspicious JavaScript execution within the browser of users accessing the ArcGIS for Server application.
Upgrade to a patched version of ArcGIS for Server that addresses the XSS vulnerabilities. Refer to ESRI's security advisories for specific patch versions.
Implement robust input validation to sanitize all user-supplied data before processing and storing it.
Implement output encoding (e.g., HTML escaping) to prevent the browser from interpreting user-supplied data as executable code.
Use a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to filter malicious requests and block XSS attacks.
Regularly scan the ArcGIS for Server application for vulnerabilities using vulnerability scanners.
Implement the principle of least privilege to restrict user access and minimize the impact of a successful XSS attack.
Educate users about the risks of XSS attacks and how to identify suspicious web pages or links.