CVE-2018-18478 : Security Advisory and Response

LibreNMS before version 1.44 is vulnerable to persistent Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks. Remote attackers can exploit these vulnerabilities by injecting malicious web scripts or HTML through specific parameters.

Understanding CVE-2018-18478

This CVE involves persistent XSS vulnerabilities in LibreNMS versions prior to 1.44, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary scripts on targeted systems.

What is CVE-2018-18478?

Persistent Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) flaws in LibreNMS versions before 1.44 enable attackers to insert malicious scripts or HTML code via the dashboard_name parameter in the /ajax_form.php resource.

The Impact of CVE-2018-18478

These vulnerabilities can be exploited by remote attackers to inject and execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data theft, or further system compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-18478

LibreNMS versions prior to 1.44 are susceptible to persistent XSS attacks due to inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerabilities stem from improper handling of user-supplied data in the dashboard_name parameter within specific PHP files of LibreNMS.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: LibreNMS
Vendor: N/A
Versions Affected: All versions before 1.44

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit these vulnerabilities by injecting malicious scripts or HTML code through the dashboard_name parameter in the /ajax_form.php resource.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2018-18478 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade LibreNMS to version 1.44 or later to eliminate the XSS vulnerabilities.
Implement strict input validation and output encoding to prevent script injection attacks.
Regularly monitor and audit web application logs for any suspicious activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.
Educate developers and administrators on secure coding practices and the risks associated with XSS attacks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by LibreNMS to address known vulnerabilities.