CVE-2018-0653 in GROWI
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting vulnerability in GROWI v.3.1.11 and earlier allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via Wiki page view.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/21/2020
The CVE-2018-0653 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw identified in GROWI versions 3.1.11 and earlier, specifically affecting the Wiki page view functionality. This vulnerability resides within the web application's input validation mechanisms, where user-supplied content is not properly sanitized before being rendered in the browser context. The flaw allows remote attackers to execute malicious scripts within the victim's browser session, potentially leading to unauthorized actions or data exfiltration.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient output encoding and input validation within the GROWI application's rendering pipeline. When users create or modify wiki pages, the content is stored and subsequently displayed in the view mode without adequate sanitization of potentially malicious input. This creates an environment where attackers can embed script tags or other malicious HTML elements that execute when other users view the affected pages. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and leverages the trust relationship between the web application and its users, making it particularly dangerous in collaborative environments where multiple users interact with shared content.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-0653 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform session hijacking, steal cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or even modify content within the wiki system. In a corporate or organizational setting where GROWI serves as a knowledge management platform, this vulnerability could compromise sensitive documentation, facilitate lateral movement within the network, or serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network privileges to exploit the vulnerability, making it particularly concerning for widely accessible web applications.
Organizations utilizing GROWI should prioritize immediate remediation by upgrading to versions that have addressed this vulnerability, as the flaw has been classified under CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation. Security teams should implement additional defensive measures including web application firewalls, content security policies, and regular security assessments of the wiki platform. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 - Data from Information Repositories, as it enables unauthorized access to stored information through manipulation of the repository interface. Furthermore, this issue demonstrates the importance of input validation and output encoding practices that align with OWASP Top Ten categories and defense-in-depth strategies recommended for web application security.