CVE-2017-11201 in FineCMS
Summary
by MITRE
application/core/controller/images.php in FineCMS through 2017-07-12 allows remote authenticated admins to conduct XSS attacks by uploading an image via a route=images action.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/25/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11201 affects FineCMS versions up to and including the 2017-07-12 release, representing a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the application's image handling functionality. This security weakness resides in the application/core/controller/images.php file and specifically targets authenticated administrative users who possess the ability to upload images through the route=images action. The flaw demonstrates a classic path traversal and code injection vulnerability that can be exploited by malicious administrators to inject malicious scripts into the application's image processing pipeline.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the image upload mechanism. When authenticated administrators upload images through the designated route, the system fails to properly validate or sanitize the uploaded file names, potentially allowing attackers to embed malicious JavaScript code within image metadata or file names. This weakness creates an environment where an attacker with administrative privileges can execute arbitrary code in the context of other users' browsers, effectively bypassing standard security controls that protect against cross-site scripting attacks. The vulnerability operates under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, making it a direct descendant of well-established security weaknesses in web application development practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it enables attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration. An attacker with administrative access can upload a malicious image file that, when viewed by other users or administrators, executes JavaScript code in their browsers. This can lead to complete compromise of user sessions, unauthorized access to sensitive administrative functions, and potential lateral movement within the network. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it leverages legitimate administrative functionality, making it difficult to detect through standard security monitoring mechanisms. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which covers the use of JavaScript and other scripting languages for execution within web applications, demonstrating how legitimate application features can be abused for malicious purposes.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention from system administrators and security teams responsible for maintaining FineCMS installations. The most effective immediate solution involves implementing strict input validation and sanitization for all file upload operations, particularly focusing on image file names and metadata. Organizations should consider implementing Content Security Policy headers to prevent execution of unauthorized scripts, while also ensuring that uploaded files are stored in a separate directory structure that prevents direct execution of user-uploaded content. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application, while also implementing proper access controls and privilege separation to limit the impact of potential compromises. Additionally, organizations should establish automated monitoring systems that can detect unusual upload patterns or suspicious file characteristics that may indicate attempted exploitation of similar vulnerabilities.