CVE-2014-8774 in Revolution
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in manager/index.php in MODX Revolution 2.x before 2.2.15 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the context_key parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/19/2025
The CVE-2014-8774 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in MODX Revolution content management system versions 2.x prior to 2.2.15. This vulnerability exists within the manager/index.php file and specifically targets the context_key parameter, creating a dangerous attack vector that enables remote adversaries to execute malicious web scripts or HTML code within the context of affected users' browsers. The flaw demonstrates a classic input validation failure where user-supplied data enters the application without proper sanitization or encoding, allowing attackers to inject malicious payloads that persist and execute when other users interact with the compromised system.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which categorizes cross-site scripting as a code injection flaw where untrusted data is improperly integrated into web pages viewed by other users. This particular implementation allows attackers to manipulate the context_key parameter through URL manipulation or form submission, bypassing the application's built-in security controls. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires no special privileges to exploit, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by anyone who can access the vulnerable MODX installation. The flaw stems from inadequate output encoding and input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-provided context_key values before incorporating them into dynamic web page content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform session hijacking, deface websites, steal sensitive user information, or redirect victims to malicious domains. When exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of authenticated user sessions, potentially enabling full account compromise or privilege escalation within the MODX administration interface. This creates a significant risk for content management workflows where administrators and editors interact with the system, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or persistent backdoor access. The vulnerability affects the manager interface specifically, which is typically used by administrators to control website content, making it a prime target for attackers seeking long-term access to web applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-8774 involve immediate patching of MODX Revolution installations to version 2.2.15 or later, where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive input sanitization procedures that validate and encode all user-supplied parameters before processing them within the application. Network security controls including web application firewalls should be configured to monitor for suspicious parameter values and block known malicious patterns. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues within the application stack. The remediation process should also include user education regarding the dangers of clicking untrusted links and the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions. Additionally, implementing proper content security policies and disabling unnecessary features can reduce the attack surface and limit the potential impact of similar vulnerabilities in the future, aligning with defensive security practices outlined in the ATT&CK framework for web application exploitation techniques.