1. Introduction
The ASP Portal User Profile XSS vulnerability is a cross-site scripting issue within the ASP Portal CGI suite. This allows an attacker to potentially steal user cookies, compromising accounts and sensitive data. Systems running vulnerable versions of the ASP Portal CGI are affected. Impact on confidentiality is likely, with potential for integrity compromise if attackers can modify website content.
2. Technical Explanation
The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the ASP Portal CGI suite. An attacker can inject malicious JavaScript code into user profile fields which is then executed in the browser of other users visiting the affected page. The attack requires a user to visit a specially crafted URL or webpage containing the injected script. This is classified as CWE-20 (Improper Input Validation), CWE-442 (Bound Check Error), CWE-629 (Insufficiently Protected Configurations), CWE-711 (Injection Flaw – Cross-Site Scripting), CWE-712 (Injection Flaw – Reflected XSS), CWE-722 (Reflected XSS), CWE-725 (Unvalidated Redirects and Forwards), CWE-74 (Improper Handling of Exception Conditions), CWE-750 (Uncontrolled Resource Consumption), CWE-751 (Missing Link/Resource Validation), CWE-79 (Cross-Site Scripting), CWE-800 (Insecure Communication of Sensitive Data), CWE-801 (Improper Error Handling Logic), CWE-809 (Use of Hard-coded Credentials), CWE-811 (Weak Input Validation), CWE-900 (Information Exposure through Cross-Site Scripting), CWE-928 (Insufficient Sanitization of User-Supplied Data) and CWE-931 (Cross-Site Scripting).
- Root cause: Missing input validation on user profile data.
- Exploit mechanism: An attacker crafts a URL containing malicious JavaScript code in the user profile field, which is then executed when another user visits that page. For example, injecting `` into a username field.
- Scope: Affected systems are those running vulnerable versions of the ASP Portal CGI suite.
3. Detection and Assessment
Confirming vulnerability involves checking the installed version of the ASP Portal CGI and testing for XSS injection points.
- Quick checks: Verify the ASP Portal CGI is installed on the server. Check application logs for suspicious activity related to user profile updates.
- Scanning: Nessus plugin ID 30985 can detect this vulnerability, but results should be verified manually.
- Logs and evidence: Examine web server access logs for requests containing JavaScript code in URL parameters or POST data associated with the ASP Portal CGI.
4. Solution / Remediation Steps
The solution involves applying a patch provided by the vendor to address the XSS vulnerability.
4.1 Preparation
- Ensure a change window is scheduled with appropriate approvals.
4.2 Implementation
- Step 1: Download the patch file from http://www.aspportal.net/downloadsviewer.asp?theurl=38.
- Step 2: Stop the web server service (e.g., IIS).
- Step 3: Replace the existing ASP Portal CGI files with the patched versions.
- Step 4: Restart the web server service.
4.3 Config or Code Example
Before
After
4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability
Practices that directly address this vulnerability type include input validation and safe defaults. Least privilege can reduce impact if exploited.
- Practice 1: Input validation should be implemented on all user-supplied data to prevent malicious code from being injected.
- Practice 2: Implement a patch management process to ensure timely application of security updates.
4.5 Automation (Optional)
5. Verification / Validation
Confirming the fix involves verifying the patched version is installed and re-testing for XSS injection points.
- Post-fix check: Verify the ASP Portal CGI version has been updated to a patched release.
- Re-test: Attempt to inject malicious JavaScript code into user profile fields again. The injected script should not execute.
- Smoke test: Confirm that users can still log in and update their profiles without errors.
- Monitoring: Monitor web server logs for any attempts to exploit the XSS vulnerability, looking for suspicious JavaScript code in requests.
6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring
Update security baselines to include patched versions of ASP Portal CGI. Add input validation checks to CI/CD pipelines.
- Baselines: Update a security baseline or policy to require the latest version of ASP Portal CGI.
- Pipelines: Implement static application security testing (SAST) tools in your CI pipeline to detect XSS vulnerabilities during development.
- Asset and patch process: Establish a regular patch review cycle for all web applications, including ASP Portal CGI.
7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back
- Risk or side effect 1: Patch installation could lead to brief service interruption.
- Risk or side effect 2: Compatibility issues with custom ASP Portal CGI modifications.
- Roll back: Restore the original ASP Portal CGI files from backup and restart the web server service.
8. References and Resources
- Vendor advisory or bulletin: http://www.aspportal.net/downloadsviewer.asp?theurl=38
- NVD or CVE entry: N/A
- Product or platform documentation relevant to the fix: N/A