CVE-2015-0917 in Kajona
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the backend in Kajona before 4.6.3 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the action parameter to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/10/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-0917 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the backend of the Kajona content management system prior to version 4.6.3. This vulnerability resides in the input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing within the administrative interface. The specific weakness manifests through the action parameter in the index.php file, which serves as the primary entry point for backend operations and administrative functions. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious payloads that leverage the lack of proper sanitization to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML code directly into the system's backend operations.
This XSS vulnerability operates under CWE-79 which classifies it as a classic cross-site scripting attack where the system fails to properly validate and escape user inputs before rendering them in the web interface. The flaw specifically enables attackers to inject malicious code through the action parameter, which is then executed in the context of other users' browsers who access the compromised backend. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it targets the administrative interface, potentially allowing unauthorized individuals to escalate privileges, steal session cookies, or manipulate backend functionality. The vulnerability exists due to insufficient input filtering and output encoding practices within the Kajona framework's backend processing logic.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive administrative functions and user data. When exploited, the vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code within the context of the victim's browser, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further system compromise. The backend nature of the vulnerability means that successful exploitation could grant attackers administrative privileges, enabling them to modify content, delete files, or manipulate the entire CMS configuration. This represents a severe security risk for organizations relying on Kajona for their web presence, as the vulnerability could be leveraged to completely compromise the system's integrity and confidentiality.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-0917 should focus on immediate patching of the Kajona system to version 4.6.3 or later, which contains the necessary input validation and sanitization fixes. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation at multiple layers including the application firewall, web application firewall, and within the application code itself. The recommended approach involves implementing strict output encoding for all dynamic content, particularly in administrative interfaces where user inputs are processed. Security measures should include the implementation of content security policies, proper parameter validation, and regular security testing of input handling mechanisms. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing automated monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts and ensure that all user inputs are properly sanitized before being processed by the system. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing robust input validation practices as outlined in the ATT&CK framework's defense-in-depth principles.