CVE-2017-17775 in Piwigo
Summary
by MITRE
Piwigo 2.9.2 has XSS via the name parameter in an admin.php?page=album-3-properties request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/16/2019
Piwigo version 2.9.2 contains a cross-site scripting vulnerability that allows remote attackers to inject malicious scripts into the web application through the name parameter in admin.php?page=album-3-properties requests. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which represents one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security flaws. The flaw occurs when the application fails to properly sanitize user input before rendering it in the web interface, specifically within the administrative album properties section where the name parameter is processed without adequate validation or encoding measures.
The technical execution of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft a malicious payload that exploits the lack of input sanitization in the name parameter. When an administrator or authenticated user visits the affected page with the maliciously crafted name parameter, the injected script executes within the context of the user's browser session. This creates a persistent threat that can lead to session hijacking, credential theft, or further exploitation of the compromised administrative account. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it targets the administrative interface, which typically possesses elevated privileges and access to sensitive system functions.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-17775 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges and gain unauthorized access to the entire Piwigo gallery system. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can manipulate album properties, modify or delete media content, and potentially access other administrative functions. This aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, where attackers can execute malicious scripts through web-based interfaces. The vulnerability also represents a path for privilege escalation through the ATT&CK technique T1078.004 for Valid Accounts, as administrative access provides extensive control over the system's functionality.
The security implications of this vulnerability are compounded by the fact that it affects the administrative backend of Piwigo, which typically handles sensitive user data and system configurations. Attackers can leverage this weakness to compromise the integrity of the entire gallery system, potentially leading to data loss, unauthorized access, or further network penetration. Organizations using Piwigo 2.9.2 should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, output encoding, and regular security updates. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input sanitization in web applications and aligns with the principle of defense in depth as outlined in NIST SP 800-53 security controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-17775 include implementing proper parameter validation and sanitization for all user inputs, particularly those used in administrative interfaces. The application should employ output encoding techniques to prevent script execution in contexts where user-supplied data is rendered. Security patches should be applied immediately to upgrade to a version that addresses this vulnerability, as the issue affects the core functionality of the Piwigo administration system. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls and security monitoring to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the necessity of comprehensive security testing including dynamic application security testing and manual penetration testing to identify similar input validation flaws in web applications.