CVE-2017-7362 in Pixie
Summary
by MITRE
Pixie 1.0.4 allows an admin/index.php s=publish&m=dynamic&x= XSS attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-7362 affects Pixie version 1.0.4, a content management system that suffers from a cross-site scripting flaw in its administrative interface. This vulnerability exists within the admin/index.php script where the parameter s=publish&m=dynamic&x= is processed without proper input validation or output sanitization. The flaw enables authenticated administrators to be targeted by malicious actors who can inject malicious scripts through the x parameter, potentially compromising the entire administrative session.
This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, specifically representing a reflected XSS attack where malicious input is immediately reflected back to the user without proper sanitization. The attack vector requires an authenticated user to interact with the malicious payload, making it a stored XSS vulnerability that can be exploited through social engineering or by compromising administrative credentials. The vulnerability exists because the application fails to properly escape or filter user-supplied input before rendering it in the web page context, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the victim's browser.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations using Pixie 1.0.4, as it provides attackers with a potential pathway to escalate privileges and gain unauthorized access to administrative functions. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, modify content, or even take full control of the CMS. The attack follows the typical ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and control through script-based payloads, and T1566 for initial access via social engineering or compromised credentials. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
Organizations should immediately update to a patched version of Pixie that addresses this vulnerability through proper input validation and output encoding. The mitigation strategy should include implementing Content Security Policy headers to prevent unauthorized script execution, conducting regular security audits of web applications, and ensuring all administrative interfaces are properly protected with multi-factor authentication. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious parameter values can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing least privilege principles for administrative accounts and regularly review access logs for signs of unauthorized activity. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and output sanitization in web applications, as highlighted by the OWASP Top Ten project which consistently ranks XSS as one of the most prevalent web application security risks.