CVE-2017-7944 in Xoops
Summary
by MITRE
XOOPS Core 2.5.8.1 has XSS due to unescaped HTML output of an Install DB failure error message in page_dbsettings.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-7944 affects the XOOPS Core content management system version 2.5.8.1 and represents a cross-site scripting weakness that arises from improper handling of HTML output within error messages during database installation processes. This flaw exists specifically in the page_dbsettings.php file where error messages related to database connection failures are displayed without adequate sanitization of user-controllable input. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly escape HTML characters in error messages, allowing malicious actors to inject malicious scripts that can execute in the context of other users' browsers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the XOOPS installation process encounters database configuration errors and displays error messages directly to users without proper HTML escaping mechanisms. When an installation fails due to database connection issues, the system outputs error information that includes raw database error messages or configuration parameters without sanitizing them for safe display. Attackers can exploit this by manipulating the database connection parameters during installation to trigger specific error conditions that contain malicious script payloads. These payloads can then be executed when legitimate users view the error page, particularly if the error message contains unescaped HTML or JavaScript code that gets rendered in the browser.
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 redirection to malicious websites. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can inject malicious JavaScript that can steal cookies, session tokens, or other sensitive information from authenticated users. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in web application environments where administrators or users might be running the installation process and inadvertently encounter these error messages. According to CWE classification, this represents a CWE-79: Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which is a fundamental weakness in web application security that allows injection of malicious content into web pages viewed by other users.
The exploitation of CVE-2017-7944 aligns with several techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the initial access and execution phases, particularly targeting web application vulnerabilities through injection attacks. The attack vector typically involves an attacker manipulating installation parameters to trigger the vulnerable error condition, which then allows for the execution of malicious scripts in the context of legitimate users. Organizations using XOOPS versions prior to 2.5.8.2 are at risk, as this vulnerability was addressed through proper HTML escaping of error messages and input validation during database configuration processes. The remediation involves implementing proper output escaping mechanisms and ensuring that all user-controllable data displayed in error messages is sanitized before rendering. Security best practices recommend implementing Content Security Policy headers and regular security audits to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in web applications, as this type of vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and output sanitization in web security practices.