CVE-2014-4037 in FCKeditor
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in editor/dialog/fck_spellerpages/spellerpages/server-scripts/spellchecker.php in FCKeditor before 2.6.11 and earlier allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via an array key in the textinputs[] parameter, a different issue than CVE-2012-4000.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/22/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-4037 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the FCKeditor component, specifically affecting versions prior to 2.6.11. This vulnerability resides in the spellchecker.php file located within the editor/dialog/fck_spellerpages/spellerpages/server-scripts directory structure. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize user input parameters, creating an avenue for malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of a victim's browser session.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the textinputs[] parameter which is processed by the spellchecker.php script. Attackers can craft malicious payloads by inserting array keys containing script code into this parameter, bypassing the application's input validation mechanisms. This particular implementation flaw demonstrates a classic XSS vulnerability pattern where server-side components fail to adequately escape or validate user-supplied data before incorporating it into dynamic web content. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-79 as a failure to sanitize user input, specifically manifesting as an improper neutralization of script code in a web page.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or session hijacking, as it allows attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the victim's browser context. This capability enables malicious actors to perform actions such as stealing cookies, redirecting users to malicious sites, defacing web pages, or conducting more sophisticated attacks like credential theft or privilege escalation. The vulnerability affects not only individual users but can compromise entire web applications that utilize the vulnerable FCKeditor component, potentially affecting thousands of users depending on the application's exposure and user base.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability differs from CVE-2012-4000, indicating a distinct code path or implementation flaw within the spellchecker functionality. The exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be executed through standard web browser interactions, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users have the ability to submit content through web forms. Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation by upgrading to FCKeditor version 2.6.11 or later, which includes proper input sanitization and validation mechanisms. Additionally, implementing proper content security policies, input validation at multiple layers, and regular security assessments can help mitigate the risk of similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a web application attack vector under the T1059.007 technique for script injection, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive input validation and output encoding strategies.