CVE-2014-5257 in Formalms
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in Forma Lms before 1.2.1 p01 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) id_custom parameter in an amanmenu request or (2) id_game parameter in an alms/games/edit request to appCore/index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/03/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-5257 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting Forma Lms versions prior to 1.2.1 p01. This vulnerability resides within the application's input validation mechanisms, specifically failing to properly sanitize user-supplied parameters before incorporating them into dynamic web content. The flaw manifests through two distinct attack vectors that exploit the application's handling of custom parameters in different request contexts, creating multiple entry points for malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts within the victim's browser environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient output encoding and input validation practices within the Forma Lms application framework. Attackers can exploit the id_custom parameter within amanmenu requests and the id_game parameter within alms/games/edit requests to inject malicious payloads directly into the application's response. These parameters are processed without proper sanitization, allowing attackers to inject HTML tags and JavaScript code that executes in the context of authenticated users. The vulnerability specifically targets the appCore/index.php endpoint, which serves as a central processing point for multiple application functionalities, amplifying the potential impact of successful exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-5257 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform session hijacking, deface web applications, steal sensitive user data, and potentially escalate privileges within the vulnerable environment. The vulnerability's remote nature means attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network presence to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous in web-facing applications. The attack vectors leverage legitimate application functionality to deliver malicious payloads, making detection more challenging as the malicious code appears to originate from trusted application components rather than external sources.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in software applications. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001, which covers spearphishing attachments, as attackers could potentially use this vulnerability to deliver malicious payloads through crafted web requests. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching to version 1.2.1 p01 or later, implementation of proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms, and deployment of web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious parameter values. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive security assessments of their Forma Lms installations and implement proper security monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing robust input validation practices to prevent exploitation of similar flaws in other application components.