The F5 FirePass SSL VPN appliance provides rudimentary web request
sanitization for resources exposed through the appliance via Portal Access.
This Content Inspection feature can be configured and customized through
the web management interface to optimize protection against cross-site
scripting and SQL injection. The "XSS scripting" configuration page even
prominently states the following:
"The FirePass can aid in preventing Cross Site Scripting attacks via
vulnerable web servers. This is done by scanning URL arguments and form
POST data sent by users through Web Applications, and blocking the request
if it looks suspicious. Note that the FirePass user and admin console
interfaces are already protected against Cross Site Scripting attacks."
Ironically these very pages contain cross-site scripting vulnerabilities.
Specifically, parameter css_exceptions in page
/vdesk/admincon/webyfiers.php and parameter sql_matchscope in page
/vdesk/admincon/index.php are vulnerable due to incorrect handling of
quotes. This allows an attacker to force premature termination of the
parameter value and to inject an event handler script. This injection is
permanent because it is embedded in the parameter value. At the same time
it is possible to remove (also permanently) the "Update" button on the web
form, which complicates the injection removal.
If you have additional information or notice any errors regarding this security advisory, please use contact form or email us at info()securityreason()com.