CVE-2017-16784 in CMS Made Simple
Summary
by MITRE
In CMS Made Simple 2.2.2, there is Reflected XSS via the cntnt01detailtemplate parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/05/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-16784 represents a critical reflected cross-site scripting flaw within CMS Made Simple version 2.2.2. This security weakness resides in the application's handling of user-supplied input through the cntnt01detailtemplate parameter, which is commonly used in the content management system's template processing mechanisms. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and output sanitization, allowing malicious actors to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users.
The technical implementation of this flaw demonstrates how the application fails to properly escape or filter user-controllable parameters before incorporating them into dynamic web content. When a user submits a request containing malicious script code within the cntnt01detailtemplate parameter, the CMS processes this input without adequate sanitization measures. The reflected nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious payload is immediately reflected back to the user's browser through the web application's response, without being stored on the server. This characteristic makes the attack vector particularly dangerous as it can be delivered through phishing emails, malicious links, or compromised websites that direct users to exploit the vulnerability.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-16784 extends beyond simple script execution, as reflected XSS vulnerabilities can enable attackers to hijack user sessions, steal sensitive cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of victims, and potentially escalate privileges within the CMS environment. The vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and input validation, as defined by CWE-79 which categorizes cross-site scripting flaws as a fundamental security weakness in web applications. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of the victim's browser, potentially leading to complete compromise of user accounts and unauthorized access to administrative functions.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique of "Cross-Site Scripting" (T1059.007), where adversaries use web application vulnerabilities to execute malicious code. Organizations running CMS Made Simple 2.2.2 are particularly vulnerable as the flaw exists in the core template handling functionality, making it accessible to both authenticated and unauthenticated users. The remediation strategy should prioritize immediate patching to version 2.2.3 or later, which includes proper input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms. Additionally, implementing proper content security policies, input validation at multiple layers, and regular security assessments can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the application's architecture.
Security practitioners should note that this vulnerability represents a common pattern in web application security where insufficient sanitization of user input leads to dangerous code execution. The flaw demonstrates the critical importance of implementing defense-in-depth strategies, including proper parameter validation, output encoding, and regular security testing. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify similar reflected XSS patterns in other application parameters and ensure that all user-supplied data undergoes proper sanitization before being processed or displayed within web interfaces. The vulnerability also highlights the necessity of keeping CMS platforms updated with the latest security patches and implementing web application firewalls as additional protective measures against such attacks.