CVE-2017-14522 in Wonder
Summary
by MITRE
In WonderCMS 2.3.1, the application's input fields accept arbitrary user input resulting in execution of malicious JavaScript. NOTE: the vendor disputes this issue stating that this is a feature that enables only a logged in administrator to write execute JavaScript anywhere on their website
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14522 affects WonderCMS version 2.3.1 and represents a critical security flaw in how the content management system handles user input. This issue manifests through the application's input fields that do not properly sanitize or validate data entered by users, creating an environment where malicious JavaScript code can be injected and subsequently executed. The vulnerability exists within the core functionality of the CMS, specifically in the way it processes and renders user-supplied content without adequate security controls. This flaw fundamentally compromises the integrity of the application's data handling mechanisms and exposes the system to potential exploitation by attackers who can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary code on the target server.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding practices within WonderCMS's content management framework. When users enter data into various input fields, the application fails to properly filter or escape potentially dangerous characters and code sequences that could be interpreted as executable JavaScript. This lack of proper sanitization creates a persistent cross-site scripting vulnerability that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it enables execution of arbitrary JavaScript code, which aligns with CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for scripting languages. The flaw essentially removes the application's ability to distinguish between legitimate user content and malicious code, creating an attack surface that can be exploited for various malicious purposes including session hijacking, data theft, and further system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-14522 extends beyond simple cross-site scripting, as it provides attackers with a means to execute arbitrary code within the context of the CMS application. This capability allows adversaries to manipulate the content management system in ways that can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistent access to the target environment. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects the core functionality of the CMS where administrators typically have elevated privileges, meaning that successful exploitation could result in complete administrative control over the website and its underlying infrastructure. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to inject backdoors, modify website content, steal sensitive information, or use the compromised system as a launching point for attacks against other systems within the network. The vendor's response that this is an intentional feature for logged-in administrators creates a false sense of security, as it fails to acknowledge the inherent risk when malicious actors gain access to administrator accounts or when legitimate administrator privileges are compromised through other means.
The security implications of this vulnerability are compounded by the fact that it affects a widely used content management system where administrators may not always be vigilant about input validation practices. The vulnerability demonstrates a critical flaw in the application's security architecture where user input is not properly sanitized before being processed or stored, creating an environment where any user with access to input fields can potentially execute malicious code. This issue directly violates security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and represents a failure in implementing proper input validation and output encoding controls. Organizations using WonderCMS 2.3.1 should implement immediate mitigations including updating to a patched version of the software, implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious input, and conducting thorough security audits of all user input handling mechanisms. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing additional security controls such as content security policies and regular security monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vendor's stance that this is a feature rather than a vulnerability highlights the importance of proper security design principles where functionality should not come at the expense of system security, and all user input should be properly validated and sanitized regardless of the user's privilege level.