CVE-2017-6812 in MaNGOSWebV4
Summary
by MITRE
paintballrefjosh/MaNGOSWebV4 4.0.8 is vulnerable to a reflected XSS in inc/admin/template_files/admin.vote.php (id parameter).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6812 affects the paintballrefjosh/MaNGOSWebV4 4.0.8 web application, specifically targeting the admin.vote.php file within the template_files directory. This represents a classic reflected cross-site scripting vulnerability that occurs when user input is not properly sanitized before being returned to the browser. The vulnerability is triggered through the id parameter, which allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code that executes in the context of other users' browsers who view the affected page.
The technical flaw stems from improper input validation and output encoding practices within the application's administrative interface. When the id parameter is passed to the admin.vote.php script, the application fails to sanitize or escape the input before incorporating it into the HTTP response. This creates an opportunity for attackers to craft malicious URLs containing script payloads that, when executed, can compromise user sessions, steal sensitive information, or redirect users to malicious websites. The vulnerability is classified as reflected XSS because the malicious script is reflected off the web server and executed in the victim's browser without being stored on the server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can lead to complete session hijacking and privilege escalation within the administrative interface. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially gain unauthorized access to the web application's administrative functions, modify content, delete data, or even escalate privileges to full administrative control. The reflected nature of the vulnerability means that exploitation requires social engineering to convince victims to click on malicious links, but once clicked, the attack can be highly effective in compromising user sessions and gaining access to sensitive administrative features.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a technique for initial access and privilege escalation through web-based attacks. Mitigation strategies include implementing proper input validation and output encoding for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in dynamic content generation. The recommended approach involves sanitizing all input data through whitelisting mechanisms, encoding output to prevent script execution, and implementing proper Content Security Policies to limit script execution capabilities. Additionally, regular security audits and input validation testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the web application.
The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices in web applications, particularly when handling user input in administrative interfaces. Organizations should implement comprehensive security training for developers, establish secure coding standards, and utilize automated security testing tools to identify and remediate XSS vulnerabilities before they can be exploited in production environments. Regular patch management and vulnerability assessment programs are essential for maintaining web application security and preventing unauthorized access to sensitive administrative functions.