CVE-2017-12907 in NexusPHP
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) exists in NexusPHP version v1.5 via the url path to usersearch.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/07/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-12907 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the NexusPHP content management system version 1.5. This vulnerability specifically manifests through the usersearch.php script which processes URL path parameters without adequate input validation or output sanitization. The flaw allows attackers to inject malicious script code into the application's response, potentially compromising user sessions and enabling unauthorized access to sensitive data. The vulnerability occurs when user-supplied input from the URL path is directly incorporated into the web page response without proper encoding or filtering mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from improper handling of user input within the NexusPHP framework's search functionality. When users navigate to the usersearch.php endpoint with malicious parameters in the URL path, the application fails to sanitize or escape the input before rendering it in the HTML response. This creates an environment where attackers can execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or data manipulation. The vulnerability classifies under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, where improper input validation allows malicious scripts to be executed in the victim's browser.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it can enable sophisticated attack vectors within the targeted environment. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or even modify the application's behavior through DOM-based attacks. The presence of this flaw in the usersearch.php endpoint means that any user interacting with the search functionality could become compromised, particularly if the application serves authenticated users. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical expertise, making it an attractive target for both skilled and less experienced attackers. Organizations using NexusPHP v1.5 may experience unauthorized access to user accounts, data breaches, or potential system compromise through this vector.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-12907 should focus on immediate input validation and output encoding measures. The most effective approach involves implementing proper parameter sanitization within the usersearch.php script to ensure that all user-supplied input is properly escaped before being rendered in the HTML response. This can be achieved through the implementation of secure coding practices such as using HTML entity encoding for output, implementing Content Security Policy headers, and employing proper input validation routines. Organizations should also consider updating to the latest version of NexusPHP where this vulnerability has been addressed, as well as implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests. The remediation process should include thorough code review of all input handling mechanisms within the application to prevent similar vulnerabilities from existing in other components. Additionally, regular security testing including automated scanning and manual penetration testing should be implemented to identify and address potential XSS vulnerabilities throughout the application lifecycle. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security practices and the necessity of implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect web applications from persistent threats like cross-site scripting attacks.