CVE-2017-5516 in GeniXCMS
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in the user forms in GeniXCMS through 0.0.8 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via crafted parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/13/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-5516 represents a critical security flaw in GeniXCMS version 0.0.8 and earlier, specifically targeting the user forms functionality within the content management system. This issue manifests as multiple cross-site scripting vulnerabilities that enable remote attackers to execute malicious code through the manipulation of crafted parameters. The vulnerability exists within the web application's input validation mechanisms, creating a pathway for attackers to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content directly into the user forms. These vulnerabilities are particularly concerning as they affect the core user interaction components of the CMS, potentially compromising the security of all users who interact with these forms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input sanitization and output encoding within the GeniXCMS user forms. When users submit data through these forms, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the input parameters before processing or displaying them. This lack of proper validation creates an environment where malicious actors can inject script tags or other HTML content that gets executed in the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79 as a Cross-Site Scripting flaw, specifically representing a failure to sanitize user input before rendering it on web pages. Attackers can leverage this weakness to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious websites.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-5516 extends beyond simple data corruption, as it creates persistent security risks for any organization utilizing GeniXCMS. When exploited, these vulnerabilities can allow attackers to steal session cookies, capture user credentials, or even modify content within the CMS if administrative privileges are compromised. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors do not require physical access to the system or network, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for web applications with public-facing user forms. This flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 which describes the use of web shell or client-side attacks to establish persistence and execute malicious code in the context of a victim's browser. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of user data, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information and disruption of service.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-5516 should focus on immediate input validation and output encoding implementations within the GeniXCMS framework. Organizations should implement comprehensive parameter validation that filters out or escapes potentially malicious content before processing user submissions. The recommended approach includes implementing proper HTML entity encoding for all user-supplied data displayed on web pages, utilizing Content Security Policy headers to restrict script execution, and conducting regular security audits of all form handling components. Additionally, upgrading to a patched version of GeniXCMS or implementing web application firewall rules to detect and block malicious payloads represents the most effective long-term solutions. Security teams should also consider implementing automated scanning tools to identify similar vulnerabilities in other web applications and establish proper security training for developers to prevent future occurrences of input validation flaws. The remediation process should include thorough testing to ensure that all user forms properly handle malicious inputs without compromising legitimate functionality.