CVE-2017-12439 in Flash Slideshow Maker Professional
Summary
by MITRE
SocuSoft Flash Slideshow Maker Professional through v5.20, when the advanced configuration is used, has an xml_path HTTP parameter that trusts user-supplied input, in conjunction with an unsafe XML configuration file. This has resultant content forgery, cross site scripting, and unvalidated redirection issues.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/14/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-12439 affects SocuSoft Flash Slideshow Maker Professional versions up to v5.20 and represents a critical security flaw stemming from improper input validation and unsafe XML processing mechanisms. This vulnerability manifests through the xml_path HTTP parameter which fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into XML configuration files. The flaw exists within the advanced configuration functionality of the software, making it particularly concerning as it targets the more sophisticated user settings that administrators might employ for custom deployments. The vulnerability falls under CWE-20, which specifically addresses improper input validation, and demonstrates how inadequate sanitization of user-provided data can lead to cascading security issues throughout the application.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate the xml_path parameter to inject malicious content into XML configuration files that the application processes. When the application encounters these modified parameters, it blindly incorporates the user-supplied data into its XML processing pipeline without adequate validation or sanitization. This unsafe processing creates multiple attack vectors simultaneously, including content forgery where attackers can modify the application's behavior by altering XML configurations, cross-site scripting opportunities where malicious scripts can be embedded in the XML content, and unvalidated redirection scenarios where attackers can force the application to redirect users to malicious sites. The vulnerability essentially allows an attacker to compromise the application's configuration processing mechanism and potentially gain unauthorized control over the application's behavior.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-12439 extends beyond simple data corruption or display issues, as it provides attackers with multiple pathways to compromise affected systems. Content forgery capabilities enable attackers to modify the slideshow content or application behavior in ways that could be used for social engineering or phishing attacks, while the XSS vulnerability creates opportunities for session hijacking or credential theft. The unvalidated redirection component poses significant risk to users who may be unknowingly directed to malicious websites that could host malware or attempt to harvest credentials. These combined attack vectors align with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers "Exploitation for Client Execution," and T1211, "Exploitation for Defense Evasion," as the vulnerability could be leveraged to bypass security controls and establish persistent access. Organizations using affected versions of SocuSoft Flash Slideshow Maker Professional face potential compromise of their digital assets and user data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-12439 should prioritize immediate software updates to versions that address the input validation flaws and XML processing vulnerabilities. System administrators should implement strict input validation measures that sanitize all user-supplied parameters before they are processed, particularly focusing on the xml_path parameter and similar configuration inputs. The implementation of proper XML parsing libraries with secure processing modes can help prevent the exploitation of unsafe XML configurations. Network-level controls such as web application firewalls should be configured to monitor and filter suspicious requests targeting the affected parameter. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their deployment environments to identify any potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST SP 800-53 security controls, particularly those related to input validation and XML processing security. Regular security updates and patch management processes should be reinforced to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other software components.