CVE-2017-7242 in SLiMS 7 Cendana
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) were discovered in admin/modules components in SLiMS 7 Cendana through 2017-03-23: the keywords parameter to bibliography/checkout_item.php, bibliography/dl_print.php, bibliography/item.php, bibliography/item_barcode_generator.php, bibliography/printed_card.php, circulation/loan_rules.php, master_file/author.php, master_file/coll_type.php, and master_file/doc_language.php and the quickReturnID field to circulation/ajax_action.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/13/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-7242 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting the SLiMS 7 Cendana library management system. This issue manifests across multiple administrative components within the system's modules, specifically targeting parameters that handle user input in various bibliographic and circulation functions. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the web application's administrative interface, creating exploitable entry points for malicious actors to inject malicious scripts into the application's response.
The technical exploitation occurs through several distinct parameters within the affected files, including the keywords parameter in bibliography-related scripts such as checkout_item.php, dl_print.php, item.php, item_barcode_generator.php, and printed_card.php. Additionally, the quickReturnID field in circulation/ajax_action.php serves as another attack vector. These parameters receive user-supplied data without proper sanitization, allowing attackers to inject malicious javascript code that executes in the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability is classified as a persistent XSS issue under CWE-79, which specifically addresses the improper neutralization of input during web page generation, making it particularly dangerous in administrative environments where privileged users interact with the application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or session hijacking, as it provides attackers with the capability to escalate privileges within the library management system. Administrative users who process bibliographic records, manage circulation workflows, or handle master file modifications become potential targets for this attack vector. The vulnerability can be exploited to create persistent backdoors within the system, manipulate user sessions, or redirect authenticated users to malicious sites. This represents a significant threat to the integrity of library data and user privacy, particularly in institutional environments where SLiMS systems manage sensitive patron information and bibliographic records.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as part of the broader category of web application attacks that leverage the ATT&CK framework's T1059.007 technique for scripting languages, specifically targeting the web application layer. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices that align with common OWASP Top Ten categories including injection flaws and cross-site scripting. Organizations using SLiMS 7 Cendana should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, output encoding, and proper parameter sanitization across all affected endpoints. The recommended approach involves implementing strict validation of all user inputs, particularly those used in administrative functions, and ensuring that all output is properly encoded to prevent script execution in browser contexts. Additionally, implementing content security policies and regular security audits of web application components can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the future.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires minimal technical expertise and can be accomplished through standard web application penetration testing techniques. Attackers need only craft malicious payloads containing javascript code that will execute when other users view the affected pages, making the attack surface particularly broad given the administrative nature of the affected components. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple modules indicates a systemic issue in the application's input handling architecture, suggesting that comprehensive remediation requires architectural review and implementation of robust security controls throughout the entire system rather than isolated patching of individual endpoints.