Employee can exploit XSS into local file read using PDF generator in Zkteco Biotime

CVE-2022-38803

Security Advisory

Topic:          Employee can exploit XSS into local file read using PDF generator in Zkteco Biotime

Category:       Zkteco Biotime
Module:         webgui
Announced:      01-09-2022
Credits:        Ahmed Kameran From https://technobase.krd/ -- https://twitter.com/hamoshwani
CVE ID:         CVE-2022-38803
Affects:        BioTime - < 8.5.3  Build:20200816.447
Corrected:      BioTime - > 8.5.3  Build:20200816.447

1.   Background

BioTime 8.0 is a powerful web-based time and attendance management software that provides a stable connection to ZKTeco's 
standalone push communication devices by Ethernet/Wi-Fi/GPRS/3G and working as a private cloud to 
offer employee self-service by mobile application and web browser.

2.  Problem Description

A Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities was found in
BioTime BioTime - < 8.5.3  Build:20200816.447 that could lead to local file read when an employee try to export injected payload using pdf
the pdf generator will simply execute the javascript code inside the injected payload that can lead to Local file read

Vulenrable models:

1- When requesting for leave
Parameter: reason

2- When requesting for overtime
Parameter: reason

3- When requesting for Manual log
Parameter: reason

3. Impact

Due to the lack of proper encoding on the affected parameters susceptible to
XSS, arbitrary JavaScript could be executed by pdf generator's headless browser that could lead to local file read

4.   Solution

Users can upgrade to 8.5.4 or later. 
Please find latest version from the Zkteco main website or they provide hardcopy of the software when you buy an Iface or any attendance devices make sure
You install versions higher than 8.5.3