CVE-2017-16635 in TinyWebGallery
Summary
by MITRE
In TinyWebGallery v2.4, an XSS vulnerability is located in the `mkname`, `mkitem`, and `item` parameters of the `Add/Create` module. Remote attackers with low-privilege user accounts for backend access are able to inject malicious script codes into the `TWG Explorer` item listing. The request method to inject is POST and the attack vector is located on the application-side of the service. The injection point is the add/create input field and the execution point occurs in the item listing after the add or create.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/04/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-16635 represents a cross-site scripting flaw within TinyWebGallery version 2.4 that specifically targets the Add/Create module functionality. This security weakness exists in the handling of three critical parameters: `mkname`, `mkitem`, and `item` which are processed during the creation or addition of items within the gallery system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows attackers with minimal privileges to gain unauthorized access to the backend administrative interface, effectively elevating their privileges and compromising the integrity of the web application.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability occurs through a POST request method that targets the TWG Explorer item listing functionality. The attack vector is classified as server-side since the malicious script injection happens during the processing of user input within the application's backend systems rather than through client-side exploitation. The injection point is specifically located in the add/create input fields where user-supplied data is accepted without proper sanitization or validation. When users create or modify items through the gallery interface, the malicious code is stored and subsequently executed in the item listing section, creating a persistent XSS attack vector that can affect all users who view the compromised content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it provides attackers with the capability to manipulate the gallery's administrative functions and potentially access sensitive data or perform unauthorized modifications. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the gallery system by allowing malicious actors to inject scripts that can redirect users to malicious websites, steal session cookies, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. This type of vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the web application's resources, potentially leading to complete system compromise if not addressed promptly.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications. The attack pattern follows typical XSS methodologies documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique of Web Application Attack Vectors. The remediation approach must focus on implementing robust input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent user-supplied data from being executed as code. Organizations should ensure that all user input is properly sanitized and that the application employs proper context-aware output encoding to prevent script execution in the browser. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and privilege separation would help mitigate the impact of such vulnerabilities by limiting the potential damage that can be caused by low-privilege accounts.