CVE-2013-7474 in Windu
Summary
by MITRE
Windu CMS 2.2 allows XSS via the name parameter to admin/content/edit or admin/content/add, or the username parameter to admin/users.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/14/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-7474 affects Windu CMS version 2.2 and represents a cross-site scripting flaw that could enable attackers to execute malicious scripts within the context of authenticated admin sessions. This vulnerability specifically targets the content management interface of the CMS, creating potential entry points for unauthorized code execution and data manipulation. The flaw exists in the parameter handling mechanisms of the administrative backend, where user input is not properly sanitized before being processed or displayed.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding practices within the Windu CMS codebase. When administrators navigate to the admin/content/edit or admin/content/add endpoints, or when managing users through the admin/users section, the application fails to adequately sanitize the name and username parameters respectively. This lack of proper sanitization allows malicious actors to inject script code that executes in the browser of authenticated users, particularly administrators who maintain elevated privileges within the system. The vulnerability operates under CWE-79 which classifies cross-site scripting as a critical weakness in web applications, specifically addressing improper neutralization of input during web page generation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can lead to complete administrative compromise of the CMS instance. Attackers could leverage this weakness to escalate privileges, modify content, steal session cookies, or redirect users to malicious websites. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the content management system, potentially allowing unauthorized modification of website content or complete takeover of administrative functions. Given that the affected endpoints are administrative interfaces, successful exploitation could result in persistent backdoors, data exfiltration, or service disruption that impacts the entire website infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-7474 should prioritize immediate patching of the Windu CMS application to the latest available version that addresses this specific vulnerability. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation mechanisms that sanitize all user-supplied data before processing, particularly for parameters used in administrative interfaces. The implementation of proper output encoding techniques, including the use of context-appropriate escaping for HTML, JavaScript, and URL contexts, should be enforced throughout the application codebase. Additionally, security measures such as content security policies and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which covers scripting through command-line interfaces, and T1566 which addresses credential access through social engineering and exploitation of web application vulnerabilities. Regular security audits and input validation testing should be conducted to prevent similar issues in other components of the application stack.