CVE-2017-17909 in Responsive Realestate Script
Summary
by MITRE
PHP Scripts Mall Responsive Realestate Script has XSS via the admin/general.php gplus parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/14/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-17909 affects the PHP Scripts Mall Responsive Realestate Script, specifically targeting the admin/general.php endpoint where the gplus parameter is susceptible to cross-site scripting attacks. This issue represents a classic server-side input validation flaw that allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into the application's administrative interface. The vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input parameters, particularly those used in administrative functions where privileged access is required. The gplus parameter, likely intended for Google Plus integration or configuration settings, fails to properly validate or escape input data before processing, creating an exploitable vector for attackers to execute malicious scripts within the context of authenticated administrative sessions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious payload and injects it through the gplus parameter in the admin/general.php script. When the administrative user accesses this page, the malicious JavaScript code executes in their browser context, potentially leading to session hijacking, privilege escalation, or data exfiltration. The vulnerability falls under CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which specifically addresses the failure to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into web pages. This weakness allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that can manipulate the web application's behavior and compromise the integrity of the administrative interface. The impact is particularly severe in this context because the affected script is used for real estate management, meaning that successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized modifications of property listings, user accounts, or other critical business data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive administrative functions within the real estate management system. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to modify property listings, manipulate pricing information, access confidential user data, or even gain full administrative control over the platform. The attack surface is further expanded when considering that the administrative interface typically has elevated privileges and access to database operations. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213 - Data from Information Repositories, as it provides unauthorized access to sensitive data within the application's repository. The risk is compounded by the fact that the vulnerability exists in a production environment where real estate data and user information are stored, potentially exposing personal information, financial details, and business-critical data to unauthorized parties. Additionally, the vulnerability could be exploited as part of a broader attack chain, where initial access is gained through this XSS flaw to establish persistence or escalate privileges within the system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-17909 should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application. The primary fix involves properly sanitizing and escaping the gplus parameter input before it is processed or stored, utilizing established security libraries and frameworks that provide automatic escaping for web contexts. Organizations should implement Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit script execution and prevent unauthorized code injection, while also ensuring that all user inputs undergo proper validation using allowlists of acceptable characters and formats. Regular security testing including automated vulnerability scanning and manual penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar issues within the codebase. The fix should also include proper error handling that prevents sensitive information leakage through error messages, and implementing role-based access controls to limit the damage potential even if an attacker successfully exploits the vulnerability. Additionally, organizations should establish secure coding practices and conduct regular security training for developers to prevent similar input validation flaws from occurring in future development cycles, particularly focusing on the importance of context-aware output encoding and parameter validation in administrative interfaces.