CVE-2014-4710 in ZeroCMS
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in zero_user_account.php in ZeroCMS 1.0 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the Full Name field.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/09/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2014-4710 represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the ZeroCMS 1.0 content management system, specifically affecting the zero_user_account.php component. This issue arises from inadequate input validation and output sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly handle user-supplied data. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it exists within a user account management interface where individuals might naturally provide personal information including their full names. Attackers can exploit this weakness by submitting malicious script code through the Full Name field, which then gets executed in the context of other users' browsers when the compromised data is displayed.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which categorizes cross-site scripting as a weakness where untrusted data is improperly incorporated into web pages without proper validation or encoding. The flaw demonstrates a failure in the application's defense-in-depth strategy, specifically in its input sanitization processes. When the application processes the Full Name field without implementing appropriate HTML escaping or script validation, it creates an environment where malicious payloads can be stored and subsequently executed. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, as it allows for the execution of arbitrary code through web-based attack vectors. The vulnerability is classified as a persistent XSS issue since the malicious script gets stored on the server and executed whenever other users view the affected page.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or defacement, as it provides attackers with a foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the victim's browser environment. When users with administrative privileges view pages containing the malicious script, the attacker could potentially escalate privileges or gain access to sensitive administrative functions. The vulnerability also enables session hijacking attacks where attackers could steal session cookies and impersonate legitimate users. Additionally, the flaw can be leveraged for phishing attacks, where the malicious script could redirect users to fraudulent websites or capture keystrokes. The attack surface is particularly broad since user account management interfaces typically contain sensitive personal information that users trust to be secure, making the exploitation more convincing and effective. Organizations using ZeroCMS 1.0 face significant risk of data compromise, service disruption, and potential regulatory violations if this vulnerability is exploited in production environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-4710 should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding practices throughout the application. The primary defense mechanism involves sanitizing all user inputs, particularly those that are displayed on web pages, by implementing proper HTML escaping and script validation. Organizations should deploy Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit the sources from which scripts can be executed, preventing unauthorized code execution even if the vulnerability is exploited. The application should also implement proper input length restrictions and character validation to prevent buffer overflow conditions that could compound the XSS vulnerability. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar input validation gaps across the application codebase. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection against known XSS attack patterns. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and ISO/IEC 27001 standards, which emphasize the need for robust input validation and output encoding to prevent injection-based attacks. Organizations should also ensure that all CMS components are regularly updated to address known vulnerabilities, as ZeroCMS 1.0 appears to be an outdated version that likely contains multiple unpatched security issues beyond this single XSS flaw.