CVE-2012-1066 in SmartyCMS
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the template module in SmartyCMS 0.9.4 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the title bar.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/14/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-1066 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the template module of SmartyCMS version 0.9.4. This security weakness resides in the application's handling of user input within the title bar functionality, creating an avenue for malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability specifically affects the template processing mechanism that fails to properly sanitize or encode user-supplied data before rendering it in web pages, thereby exposing the system to persistent XSS attacks.
The technical implementation of this flaw demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and output encoding within the SmartyCMS framework. When users submit content through the title bar interface, the application does not adequately filter or escape special characters that could be interpreted as HTML or JavaScript code. This failure in input sanitization creates a persistent vector where attackers can embed malicious payloads that execute whenever legitimate users view the affected pages. The vulnerability operates under CWE-79 which categorizes improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically targeting the injection of executable code into web applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-1066 extends beyond simple script execution, as it enables attackers to perform a range of malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and redirection to phishing sites. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can manipulate the content displayed to users, potentially stealing cookies or session tokens that would allow them to impersonate legitimate users. The persistent nature of XSS vulnerabilities means that once the malicious script is injected, it can affect all users who access the compromised pages until the vulnerability is patched or the malicious content is removed from the system. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1531 which describes the use of cross-site scripting to gain access to user sessions and sensitive information.
Organizations utilizing SmartyCMS 0.9.4 face significant risks from this vulnerability, particularly in environments where user-generated content is permitted and where the application handles sensitive data. The attack surface is broad since any user interface element that accepts title bar input could serve as an entry point for exploitation. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network privileges to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. Security teams should prioritize immediate remediation through patching or implementing input validation measures, as the vulnerability can be exploited by automated scanning tools and represents a significant threat to user data integrity and application security. The remediation process should include comprehensive input validation, output encoding, and proper content sanitization to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other components of the application.