CVE-2018-1147 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

A security vulnerability in Tenable Nessus prior to version 7.1.0 exposes a cross-site scripting (XSS) flaw due to inadequate input validation.

Understanding CVE-2018-1147

This CVE entry highlights a critical XSS vulnerability in Tenable Nessus that could be exploited by a remote authenticated attacker.

What is CVE-2018-1147?

The vulnerability in Nessus before version 7.1.0 allows an attacker to execute arbitrary script code in a user's browser session by uploading a malicious .nessus file or modifying variables in the Advanced Settings.

The Impact of CVE-2018-1147

The XSS vulnerability poses a significant risk as it enables attackers to inject and execute malicious scripts within a user's browser, potentially leading to unauthorized access or data theft.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-1147

This section delves into the specific technical aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in Tenable Nessus arises from improper input validation, allowing attackers to upload malicious files or manipulate settings to trigger XSS attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Tenable Nessus
Vendor: Tenable
Vulnerable Versions: All versions prior to 7.1.0

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the vulnerability by creating and uploading a .nessus file or altering variables in the Advanced Settings to execute arbitrary script code.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems from CVE-2018-1147, immediate actions and long-term security practices are crucial.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Tenable Nessus to version 7.1.0 or later to mitigate the XSS vulnerability.
Monitor and restrict file uploads to prevent malicious .nessus files from being uploaded.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strict input validation mechanisms to prevent XSS attacks.
Conduct regular security assessments and audits to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

Regularly apply security patches and updates provided by Tenable to address known vulnerabilities and enhance system security.