CVE-2017-5875 in dotCMS
Summary
by MITRE
XSS was discovered in dotCMS 3.7.0, with an authenticated attack against the /myAccount addressID parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/11/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-5875 represents a cross-site scripting flaw within dotCMS version 3.7.0 that specifically targets the /myAccount endpoint. This issue enables authenticated attackers to inject malicious scripts through the addressID parameter, creating a persistent security risk for organizations utilizing this content management system. The vulnerability resides in the web application's input validation mechanisms, where user-supplied data fails to undergo proper sanitization before being rendered back to the browser. This particular attack vector requires an authenticated session, meaning that an attacker must first gain valid user credentials to exploit the vulnerability, though the impact remains significant given the privileged nature of the targeted endpoint.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from inadequate output encoding and input validation within the dotCMS application framework. When the system processes the addressID parameter through the /myAccount endpoint, it fails to properly escape or validate the input data before incorporating it into dynamic HTML responses. This allows malicious actors to inject script code that executes within the context of other users' browsers who access the affected page. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and demonstrates how insufficient input sanitization creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate web application behavior. The authenticated nature of the attack suggests that the vulnerability exists within the application's user management or profile handling functionality, where legitimate users are expected to interact with the system.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-5875 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable more sophisticated attacks including session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could potentially steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious websites, or inject malicious content that appears legitimate to other users. The /myAccount endpoint typically handles sensitive user information and personal data, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it could expose user profiles, contact details, and potentially authentication tokens. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges or conduct phishing campaigns by crafting malicious scripts that appear to originate from legitimate system communications. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers scripting through web shells, demonstrating how XSS flaws can serve as initial access vectors for more comprehensive attacks.
Organizations utilizing dotCMS 3.7.0 should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, output encoding, and proper parameter sanitization within the affected endpoint. The recommended approach involves implementing strict input validation for all parameters passed to the /myAccount endpoint, particularly the addressID parameter, ensuring that all user-supplied data undergoes proper sanitization before being rendered in HTML contexts. Security patches should be applied immediately, as dotCMS released updates addressing this specific vulnerability. Additional defensive measures include implementing content security policies, using proper HTTP headers to prevent script execution, and conducting regular security assessments of web application inputs and outputs. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of principle of least privilege, ensuring that authenticated users cannot manipulate system functionality beyond their intended scope, and demonstrates how seemingly minor input validation gaps can create significant security risks in web applications.