CVE-2017-6003 in dotCMS
Summary
by MITRE
dotCMS 3.7.0 has XSS reachable from ext/languages_manager/edit_language in portal/layout via the bottom two form fields.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/14/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6003 represents a cross-site scripting flaw within dotCMS version 3.7.0 that specifically affects the languages manager functionality. This issue resides within the portal layout component and manifests through the bottom two form fields of the edit_language interface. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-79 which defines cross-site scripting as a common web application security weakness where malicious scripts are injected into otherwise trusted websites. The attack vector exploits the web application's insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms, creating an avenue for attackers to execute malicious code within the context of a victim's browser session.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the ext/languages_manager/edit_language endpoint where user-supplied input from form fields fails to undergo proper sanitization before being rendered back to the user interface. When an attacker submits malicious content through these specific form fields, the application processes the input without adequate validation or encoding, allowing the injected script to execute when other users view the affected page. This particular vulnerability demonstrates a failure in the application's security controls that should prevent untrusted data from being interpreted as executable code. The flaw operates at the presentation layer where data flows from user input directly to browser rendering without appropriate security measures such as output encoding or content security policies.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it enables attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration. An attacker could craft malicious payloads that redirect users to phishing sites, steal authentication cookies, or inject additional malicious scripts that persist across user sessions. The vulnerability affects the entire dotCMS platform when users interact with the languages manager interface, potentially compromising multiple user accounts and system integrity. This issue represents a significant risk to organizations relying on dotCMS for content management, as it could allow unauthorized individuals to gain elevated privileges or access sensitive information through the compromised user sessions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-6003 should include immediate patching of the dotCMS application to the latest version that addresses this vulnerability. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application to prevent similar issues from occurring in other components. The implementation of content security policies and proper sanitization of all user-supplied input represents essential defensive measures that align with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities within the application's attack surface, ensuring that the security controls maintain effectiveness against evolving threat landscapes and attack techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework.