CVE-2017-6071 in CMS Made Simple
Summary
by MITRE
CMS Made Simple version 1.x Form Builder before version 0.8.1.6 allows remote attackers to conduct information-disclosure attacks via exportxml.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/16/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6071 affects CMS Made Simple version 1.x Form Builder prior to version 0.8.1.6 and represents a critical information disclosure flaw that enables remote attackers to extract sensitive data through the exportxml functionality. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure data handling and improper access control mechanisms, with implications that align with CWE-200 (Information Exposure) and CWE-284 (Improper Access Control). The issue stems from inadequate validation and sanitization of user inputs within the form builder module's exportxml feature, which allows malicious actors to manipulate the system's response to reveal internal system information, configuration details, or potentially sensitive data structures that should remain protected from unauthorized access.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers interact with the exportxml functionality of the Form Builder module, typically through crafted HTTP requests that manipulate the XML export parameters. The flaw manifests because the system does not properly validate or sanitize the input parameters before processing them, allowing attackers to inject malicious payloads that trigger unintended data exposure. This type of vulnerability represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to information disclosure attacks, where the attacker can potentially access database connection strings, system paths, user credentials, or other sensitive configuration data that would normally be restricted to authorized administrators. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication and can be executed remotely, making it accessible to any attacker who can reach the vulnerable system.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-6071 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked data could provide attackers with critical intelligence for subsequent attacks. The exposure of internal system information, database configurations, or application architecture details could facilitate more sophisticated exploitation attempts including privilege escalation, credential harvesting, or targeted attacks against other system components. Organizations running vulnerable versions of CMS Made Simple face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory violations, particularly in environments where compliance with standards such as pci dss, hipaa, or gdpr is required. The vulnerability also represents a potential entry point for attackers to map the application's internal structure, identify additional weaknesses, and plan more comprehensive attacks against the broader system infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-6071 should prioritize immediate patching of the Form Builder module to version 0.8.1.6 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes to prevent unauthorized data exposure. Organizations should implement network-level controls including firewall rules that restrict access to the exportxml functionality and monitor for suspicious requests targeting the vulnerable module. Additionally, regular security assessments and input validation reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. The remediation process should also include comprehensive logging and monitoring of system access patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts, with alerts configured for unusual XML export requests or parameter manipulations. From a broader security posture perspective, this vulnerability highlights the importance of implementing defense-in-depth strategies including web application firewalls, regular security updates, and continuous vulnerability assessment programs to prevent similar issues from compromising system integrity and data confidentiality.