CVE-2017-17431 in GeniXCMS
Summary
by MITRE
GeniXCMS 1.1.5 has XSS via the from, id, lang, menuid, mod, q, status, term, to, or token parameter. NOTE: this might overlap CVE-2017-14761, CVE-2017-14762, or CVE-2017-14765.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/09/2019
GeniXCMS version 1.1.5 contains multiple cross-site scripting vulnerabilities that affect several HTTP parameters including from id lang menuid mod q status term to and token. This vulnerability classifies under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications. The affected parameters represent common input vectors used for various CMS functionalities such as user authentication navigation and content management operations. The vulnerability exists due to insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the CMS framework. Attackers can exploit these parameters by injecting malicious javascript code through HTTP request parameters that are then executed in the context of other users' browsers. This creates a persistent threat where malicious scripts can steal session cookies access tokens or perform unauthorized actions on behalf of authenticated users. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects core CMS parameters that are frequently used in normal operations making it difficult to identify and mitigate. The potential impact extends beyond simple script execution to include session hijacking and privilege escalation attacks that could compromise entire user accounts and administrative functionalities. The overlap with CVE-2017-14761 through CVE-2017-14765 suggests a broader pattern of input validation failures within the GeniXCMS codebase. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers spearphishing attacks through malicious links and payloads. The exploitation process typically involves crafting malicious URLs with encoded javascript payloads in the vulnerable parameters and delivering these to unsuspecting users. The attack surface is broad as these parameters are used in various contexts including login forms search functionality navigation menus and administrative interfaces. The vulnerability represents a critical security flaw that violates fundamental web application security principles. According to OWASP top ten 2017 category a032017 the vulnerability falls under the category of injection flaws and specifically cross-site scripting. The remediation strategy should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding for all user-supplied data. Developers should employ parameterized queries and context-specific output encoding to prevent malicious code execution. Additionally implementing proper content security policies and using security headers can provide additional layers of protection against XSS attacks. Regular security testing including automated scanning and manual penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other parameters or components of the CMS. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and proper input sanitization in web application development. Organizations using GeniXCMS 1.1.5 should immediately upgrade to a patched version or implement temporary workarounds such as input filtering and output encoding mechanisms. The presence of multiple vulnerable parameters indicates a systemic issue that requires comprehensive code review and security auditing. This vulnerability exemplifies how insufficient security controls in web applications can lead to severe consequences including data breaches and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The impact is particularly severe in administrative contexts where attackers could gain elevated privileges and compromise entire CMS installations. Security teams should monitor for exploitation attempts and implement network-based protections such as web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads targeting these parameters. The vulnerability underscores the necessity of maintaining up-to-date security patches and conducting regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in other web applications and frameworks.