CVE-2016-4849 in IVYWE
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in Geeklog IVYWE edition 2.1.1 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML by leveraging use of the COM_getCurrentURL function in (1) public_html/layout/default/header.thtml, (2) public_html/layout/bento/header.thtml, (3) public_html/layout/fotos/header.thtml, or (4) public_html/layout/default/article/article.thtml.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2022
The CVE-2016-4849 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting Geeklog IVYWE edition 2.1.1 content management system. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the application's template processing system, specifically targeting the COM_getCurrentURL function that is utilized across multiple header templates and article display components. The flaw exists in the core web application architecture where user-supplied data is not adequately sanitized before being rendered in web page contexts, creating persistent opportunities for malicious actors to execute arbitrary scripts within the victim's browser environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of URL parameters or user input fields that are subsequently processed by the COM_getCurrentURL function. When this function processes and outputs URL components without proper HTML escaping or context-appropriate encoding, it creates XSS attack vectors in four distinct template files: the default layout header, bento layout header, fotos layout header, and article display template. These locations represent critical entry points where user-controllable data flows directly into HTML output contexts, making them prime targets for attackers seeking to establish persistent malicious presence within affected systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-4849 extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform session hijacking, deface websites, steal user credentials, or redirect victims to malicious domains. The vulnerability affects all users interacting with the affected Geeklog installation, as the XSS flaws exist in core template files that are rendered for every page view. This makes the attack surface particularly broad and the potential damage significant, especially in environments where administrators or authenticated users access the system. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious web content.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of input validation and output encoding controls throughout the affected application components. Organizations should implement proper HTML escaping mechanisms for all dynamic content rendered in web contexts, particularly within the identified template files. The most effective remediation involves updating the COM_getCurrentURL function to sanitize all output before rendering, implementing Content Security Policy headers, and ensuring that all user-supplied data undergoes proper validation before being processed by the template engine. Additionally, regular security audits of template files and input handling mechanisms should be conducted to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future versions of the application, as this flaw demonstrates the importance of maintaining secure coding practices across all application layers.
The vulnerability landscape for CVE-2016-4849 reflects broader security challenges in content management systems where template-based rendering creates complex attack surfaces. The persistence of such flaws in widely-used open source platforms highlights the critical need for continuous security monitoring and timely patch management processes. Organizations utilizing Geeklog or similar systems must establish robust security protocols that include regular vulnerability assessments, automated security scanning, and comprehensive testing of template rendering processes to prevent exploitation of similar XSS vulnerabilities that could compromise entire web infrastructures.