CVE-2011-5108 in AdaptCMS
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in config.php in AdaptCMS 2.0.0 and 2.0.1 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-5108 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the AdaptCMS content management system version 2.0.0 and 2.0.1. This vulnerability resides in the config.php file and exposes the system to remote code execution through malicious web script injection. The flaw allows attackers to inject arbitrary HTML and JavaScript code into web pages viewed by other users, creating a persistent security risk that can compromise user sessions and data integrity.
This XSS vulnerability operates through unspecified attack vectors within the configuration file processing mechanism, indicating a fundamental lack of input validation and output sanitization in the CMS's core components. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws, where untrusted data is improperly incorporated into web pages without appropriate validation or encoding. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that config.php typically handles critical system configuration data that may be processed and rendered in user-facing contexts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it enables attackers to manipulate the CMS environment and potentially escalate privileges within the system. An attacker could leverage this flaw to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, deface the website, or even gain administrative access if the configuration file processing occurs in privileged contexts. The vulnerability affects both version 2.0.0 and 2.0.1, suggesting a persistent flaw in the codebase that was not properly addressed in the patch release, creating a window of exposure for organizations using these specific versions.
From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability maps to multiple ATT&CK techniques including T1566 for initial access through malicious web content and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage. The attack chain typically begins with an attacker identifying the vulnerable CMS installation, crafting malicious payloads targeting the config.php file, and then delivering these payloads through various vectors such as compromised user accounts, phishing campaigns, or direct exploitation of the vulnerable parameter handling. Organizations using AdaptCMS versions 2.0.0 and 2.0.1 should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, output encoding, and comprehensive security auditing of configuration file processing. The remediation strategy should involve upgrading to patched versions of AdaptCMS, implementing web application firewalls, and establishing proper content security policies to prevent script injection attacks.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the critical importance of secure coding practices in CMS development, particularly regarding input sanitization and output encoding. The flaw demonstrates how configuration files, often considered backend components, can create frontend security risks when proper validation is not implemented. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their CMS installations and implement comprehensive security monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the necessity of maintaining up-to-date security patches and following secure development lifecycle practices to prevent similar flaws from occurring in future releases.