CVE-2018-17184: Improper Control of Interaction Frequency in Apache syncope-core
Summary
CVE-2018-17184: Improper Control of Interaction Frequency in Apache syncope-core. Affects org.apache.syncope:syncope-core across 2 version ranges.
< 2.0.11
>= 2.1.0, < 2.1.2
Fixed in 2.0.11 or 2.1.2, depending on the release line you run. How to fix ↓
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Background
Apache syncope-core is an open-source project that provides an identity management and access control solution. It is a Maven package with the following details:
- Name: org.apache.syncope:syncope-core
- Ecosystem: Maven
- Package URL: pkg:maven/org.apache.syncope/syncope-core
This package is vulnerable to an improper control of interaction frequency vulnerability, identified as CVE-2018-17184. This vulnerability allows a malicious user with sufficient administration entitlements to inject HTML-like elements containing JavaScript statements into various entities, such as Connector names, Report names, AnyTypeClass keys, and Policy descriptions. When another user with sufficient administration entitlements edits one of these entities via the Admin Console, the injected JavaScript code is executed.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability arises due to a lack of proper input validation and sanitization. By injecting malicious JavaScript code, an attacker can execute arbitrary code within the context of another user's session. This can lead to various security risks, including cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks, session hijacking, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 5.4, indicating a moderate severity level.
How To Fix
Latest published version: 4.1.3 as of 23 Oct 2026
Upgrading to it may include breaking changes; the versions below are the minimum fixed release for this vulnerability.
If you can't move to the latest
The minimum fixed version depends on the release line you run.
-
< 2.0.112.0.11 -
>= 2.1.0, < 2.1.22.1.2
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Workaround
As a temporary workaround, it is advised to restrict access to the Admin Console to trusted users only. Additionally, implementing a web application firewall (WAF) that can detect and block malicious JavaScript code can provide an extra layer of protection.
Conclusion
The Apache syncope-core package is vulnerable to an improper control of interaction frequency vulnerability, allowing for the injection and execution of malicious JavaScript code. To mitigate this vulnerability, it is crucial to upgrade to a fixed version of the package. Restricting access to the Admin Console and implementing a web application firewall can provide additional protection. For further assistance and support in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for org.apache.syncope:syncope-core →
FAQ
Apache syncope-core is an open-source identity management and access control solution.
This vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of another user's session, leading to potential security risks such as cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks and unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The CVSS score of this vulnerability is 5.4, indicating a moderate severity level.
To fix this vulnerability, it is recommended to upgrade the Apache syncope-core package to a version that includes the fix. Details on the specific versions to upgrade to can be found in the 'how_to_fix' section.
As a temporary workaround, it is advised to restrict access to the Admin Console to trusted users only and implement a web application firewall (WAF) to detect and block malicious JavaScript code.
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