CVE-2023-31703
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code via the 'from' parameter in the edit user form of the eScan management console. Successful exploitation enables attackers to execute arbitrary scripts in victims' browsers, potentially stealing session cookies or performing actions as authenticated users. Organizations running vulnerable versions of Microworld Technologies eScan management console are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Microworld Technologies eScan Management Console
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attackers could steal administrator credentials, take full control of the eScan management console, deploy ransomware across managed endpoints, or pivot to internal network systems.
Likely Case
Attackers steal session cookies to impersonate administrators, modify security policies, disable protection, or exfiltrate sensitive data from the management console.
If Mitigated
With proper input validation and output encoding, malicious scripts would be neutralized, preventing code execution while maintaining normal functionality.
🎯 Exploit Status
Proof-of-concept code is publicly available on GitHub and Packet Storm. Exploitation requires only a crafted URL with JavaScript payload in the 'from' parameter.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Unknown
Vendor Advisory: Not available
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Contact Microworld Technologies for patch availability. 2. If patch is available, download from official vendor portal. 3. Apply patch following vendor instructions. 4. Verify fix by testing the vulnerable parameter.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Web Application Firewall (WAF) Rules
allImplement WAF rules to block requests containing JavaScript patterns in the 'from' parameter
WAF-specific configuration commands vary by vendor
Input Validation Filter
windowsAdd server-side validation to sanitize the 'from' parameter before processing
Implement input sanitization in the edit user form handler
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate the eScan management console to a restricted network segment with no internet access
- Implement strict access controls allowing only authorized administrators to access the console
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Test the edit user form by submitting a payload like <script>alert('XSS')</script> in the 'from' parameter and check if script executesCheck Version:
Check console version in the management interface or via 'About' sectionVerify Fix Applied:
Retest with the same payload after applying controls; script should not execute and input should be properly encoded📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- HTTP requests with JavaScript patterns in 'from' parameter
- Unusual admin activity from unexpected IP addresses
Network Indicators:
- HTTP POST/GET requests to edit user form with encoded script tags
SIEM Query:
source="eScan_logs" AND (uri="*edit_user*" AND (param="*<script>*" OR param="*javascript:*"))🔗 References
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/172540/eScan-Management-Console-14.0.1400.2281-Cross-Site-Scripting.html
- https://github.com/sahiloj/CVE-2023-31703/blob/main/README.md
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/172540/eScan-Management-Console-14.0.1400.2281-Cross-Site-Scripting.html
- https://github.com/sahiloj/CVE-2023-31703/blob/main/README.md
