CVE-2017-15686 in Crafter
Summary
by MITRE • 11/27/2020
Crafter CMS Crafter Studio 3.0.1 is affected by: Cross Site Scripting (XSS), which allows remote attackers to steal users’ cookies.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/11/2020
CVE-2017-15686 represents a critical cross site scripting vulnerability identified in Crafter CMS Crafter Studio version 3.0.1. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross Site Scripting, which is one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security flaws. The flaw exists in the way the application processes user input within its content management interface, specifically in the Crafter Studio component that handles user interactions and content rendering. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious javascript code through input fields or parameters that are not properly sanitized or validated before being rendered back to users. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code in the context of a victim's browser session, allowing them to steal session cookies and potentially gain unauthorized access to user accounts. The attack vector typically involves crafting malicious payloads that are submitted through the CMS interface and then executed when other users view the affected content or interact with the compromised elements. This vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege and can lead to complete account compromise, as stolen cookies often contain session tokens that grant persistent access to the application. The security implications extend beyond simple cookie theft, as compromised sessions can enable attackers to modify content, create new user accounts, or access sensitive data within the CMS. Organizations using Crafter Studio 3.0.1 are particularly at risk since the vulnerability affects the core administrative interface where users with elevated privileges operate. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a code injection technique under the T1059 category, specifically targeting web applications through input validation failures. This vulnerability aligns with the broader category of persistent XSS attacks that can maintain long-term access to compromised systems, making it a significant concern for organizations relying on content management systems for their digital infrastructure. The impact on business continuity is substantial as unauthorized access to CMS interfaces can result in data breaches, content tampering, and reputational damage.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2017-15686 requires minimal prerequisites, as the vulnerability exists in the application's core input handling mechanisms. Attackers typically need only to identify accessible input fields within the Crafter Studio interface where user-supplied data is reflected back to other users without proper sanitization. The vulnerability can be triggered through various vectors including form submissions, URL parameters, or even file uploads if the system processes user-generated content without adequate validation. The attack chain begins with an attacker identifying a vulnerable input field, crafting malicious javascript payloads that leverage the XSS vulnerability, and then delivering these payloads through legitimate user interactions. The stolen cookies can then be used to impersonate users and navigate the CMS with their privileges, potentially leading to privilege escalation and further system compromise. The vulnerability's persistence stems from the fact that malicious scripts are stored server-side and executed each time affected pages are loaded, making it difficult to detect and remediate. This characteristic aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1566 which involves phishing attacks that can be facilitated through XSS vulnerabilities. The exploitation process is particularly dangerous because it can be automated and scaled across multiple users, making it an attractive vector for mass account compromise attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-15686 should focus on implementing robust input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the Crafter Studio application. Organizations must ensure that all user-supplied data is properly sanitized before being processed or rendered back to users, implementing proper context-aware encoding for different output contexts such as HTML, JavaScript, and URL contexts. The recommended approach includes deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious payloads attempting to exploit XSS vulnerabilities, as well as implementing content security policies that restrict script execution within the application. Security patches and updates should be applied immediately to upgrade to versions of Crafter Studio that address this vulnerability, as the original 3.0.1 release contained the exploitable flaw. Organizations should also implement comprehensive monitoring and logging of user activities within the CMS to detect anomalous behavior that may indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of secure coding practices and regular security assessments can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future versions of the application. Additionally, user education and awareness programs should be established to train administrators and content creators on recognizing potential XSS attack vectors and reporting suspicious activities. The solution should also include multi-factor authentication implementation for administrative accounts to add additional layers of security beyond session cookie theft. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to verify that the implemented mitigations are effective and that no new XSS vulnerabilities have been introduced through application modifications or updates.