CVE-2017-5179 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Tenable Nessus before version 6.9.3 is vulnerable to cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks, allowing remote authenticated users to inject malicious scripts or HTML.

Understanding CVE-2017-5179

This CVE entry describes a security vulnerability in Tenable Nessus that could be exploited by authenticated remote users to execute XSS attacks.

What is CVE-2017-5179?

The vulnerability in Tenable Nessus prior to version 6.9.3 enables remote authenticated users to insert unauthorized web scripts or HTML through unidentified vectors.

The Impact of CVE-2017-5179

The XSS vulnerability in Tenable Nessus could lead to the execution of arbitrary scripts or HTML code by attackers with remote authenticated user privileges.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-5179

Tenable Nessus vulnerability details and affected systems.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows remote authenticated users to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Tenable Nessus
Versions affected: All versions prior to 6.9.3

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with remote authenticated user privileges can exploit this vulnerability to inject malicious scripts or HTML into the application.

Mitigation and Prevention

Steps to mitigate and prevent the CVE-2017-5179 vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Tenable Nessus to version 6.9.3 or later to eliminate the XSS vulnerability.
Monitor and restrict user privileges to minimize the risk of unauthorized script injections.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to address known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security training for users to raise awareness about XSS attacks and safe browsing practices.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security patches and updates for Tenable Nessus to protect against potential XSS attacks.