CVE-2018-11652 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

A CSV Injection vulnerability in Nikto 2.1.6 and earlier versions allows remote attackers to inject OS commands via the Server field in an HTTP response header, leading to potential security risks.

Understanding CVE-2018-11652

This CVE entry discloses a security flaw in Nikto versions 2.1.6 and prior, which could be exploited by malicious actors to execute arbitrary commands on the target system.

What is CVE-2018-11652?

The vulnerability in Nikto versions 2.1.6 and earlier permits remote attackers to insert OS commands through the Server field in an HTTP response header. These injected commands are then included in a CSV report, posing a risk of unauthorized command execution.

The Impact of CVE-2018-11652

The exploitation of this vulnerability could result in unauthorized command execution on the affected system, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, and other security incidents.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-11652

This section provides detailed technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The CSV Injection flaw in Nikto versions 2.1.6 and earlier allows attackers to inject malicious OS commands via the Server field in an HTTP response header, which are then directly integrated into a CSV report.

Affected Systems and Versions

Nikto version 2.1.6 and earlier

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers exploit the Server field in an HTTP response header to inject OS commands

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2018-11652 requires immediate actions and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Nikto to the latest patched version
Implement input validation to sanitize user inputs
Monitor and restrict external network access to vulnerable systems

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to address known vulnerabilities
Conduct security audits and penetration testing to identify and remediate weaknesses
Educate users and administrators on secure coding practices and threat awareness

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches provided by Nikto promptly to mitigate the vulnerability