CVE-2015-20119 in RealtyScript
Summary
by MITRE • 03/16/2026
Next Click Ventures RealtyScript 4.0.2 contains a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability that allows authenticated attackers to inject malicious HTML and iframe elements through the text parameter in the pages.php admin interface. Attackers can submit POST requests to the add page action with crafted iframe payloads in the text parameter to store malicious content that executes in the browsers of users viewing the affected pages.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/20/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-20119 resides within Next Click Ventures RealtyScript version 4.0.2, a web application designed for real estate management and content publishing. This particular flaw represents a critical security weakness that undermines the integrity of the application's admin interface and end-user experience. The vulnerability specifically targets the pages.php administrative component where users can create and manage content pages. The issue manifests as a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability that enables authenticated attackers to inject malicious code into the application's content management system. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because the malicious payloads persist within the application's database and execute automatically whenever affected pages are viewed by legitimate users. The vulnerability's presence in the admin interface creates a significant risk vector where attackers who have gained access to legitimate user accounts can exploit this weakness to compromise the entire application ecosystem.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization within the text parameter processing mechanism of the add page action. When authenticated users submit POST requests containing crafted iframe elements through the text parameter, the application fails to properly sanitize or escape the input before storing it in the database. This lack of proper validation creates an environment where malicious HTML code can be permanently embedded within the application's content storage. The vulnerability specifically affects the pages.php interface where administrators can create new pages, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to establish persistent malicious presence within the application. The stored nature of this XSS vulnerability means that the malicious code remains dormant in the database until users access the affected pages, at which point the code executes in their browsers. This behavior aligns with CWE-79, which classifies cross-site scripting vulnerabilities as a fundamental weakness in input validation and output encoding. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only authenticated access, making it particularly concerning as it can be leveraged by insiders or compromised accounts to execute malicious code against other users within the same application environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-20119 extends beyond simple data corruption or content manipulation, as it creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited to compromise entire user sessions and potentially escalate privileges. When legitimate users view pages containing the stored malicious iframe elements, their browsers execute the embedded code which can perform various malicious activities including cookie theft, session hijacking, redirection to malicious sites, or even credential harvesting. The vulnerability's ability to inject iframe elements specifically allows attackers to load external content that can be used to create phishing attacks, deliver malware, or establish command and control channels. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where the application serves multiple users or where sensitive information is managed. The stored nature of the vulnerability means that the attack can persist even after the initial exploitation attempt, making it difficult to detect and remediate. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers the use of scripting languages for execution, and T1566, which involves social engineering through malicious content delivery. The vulnerability essentially transforms the application into a vector for lateral movement and persistent access within the network environment where it operates.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-20119 should focus on implementing robust input validation, output encoding, and proper access controls within the RealtyScript application. The most effective immediate solution involves implementing strict sanitization of all user inputs, particularly those submitted through admin interfaces where the vulnerability occurs. This includes implementing proper HTML escaping and content security policies that prevent the execution of embedded scripts or iframes within the application's content. Organizations should also implement comprehensive logging and monitoring of admin interface activities to detect unauthorized or suspicious submissions. The application should be updated to a patched version that addresses the specific input validation issues in the text parameter handling. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and security headers can provide additional protection layers against exploitation attempts. From a defense-in-depth perspective, organizations should consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regular security audits of admin interfaces to prevent unauthorized access that could lead to exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of validating and sanitizing all user inputs, particularly in applications that handle content management and administrative functions. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities that may exist in other components of the application or related systems. Organizations should also implement user education programs to help identify potential social engineering attempts that might lead to credential compromise and subsequent exploitation of this type of vulnerability. The remediation process should include thorough testing of the patched application to ensure that legitimate functionality remains intact while the security vulnerability is properly addressed.