CVE-2018-0654 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 the modal for creating Wiki page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/21/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0654 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within GROWI version 3.1.11 and earlier implementations. This vulnerability exists in the wiki page creation modal functionality, creating an attack vector that allows remote malicious actors to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content into the application's interface. The flaw specifically targets the input validation mechanisms that should prevent user-supplied data from being executed as code within the browser context. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous in collaborative environments where users can create and edit content, as they provide attackers with the means to compromise the entire user base that interacts with the platform.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user inputs within the modal interface used for creating new wiki pages. When users enter content into the modal form, the application fails to properly validate or escape special characters that could be interpreted as HTML or JavaScript code. This lack of proper input sanitization creates a pathway for attackers to inject malicious payloads that execute in the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which specifically addresses the improper handling of untrusted data in web applications. The attack typically involves crafting malicious input that, when rendered by the application, executes unintended code within the victim's browser session, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further exploitation of the compromised user's privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-0654 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable sophisticated attack chains that leverage the compromised environment. An attacker could inject malicious scripts that steal session cookies, redirect users to phishing sites, or even execute additional exploits against the victim's browser. In collaborative wiki environments, this vulnerability becomes particularly dangerous as it allows attackers to compromise multiple users simultaneously through a single malicious page creation. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the application, as it undermines the trust model that collaborative platforms depend upon, potentially leading to complete system compromise if combined with other vulnerabilities or if the application has elevated privileges. The attack surface is broadened by the fact that any user with permission to create wiki pages can potentially exploit this vulnerability, making it a significant risk for organizations relying on GROWI for documentation and collaboration.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-0654 should focus on implementing robust input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application's data flow. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to GROWI versions that have addressed this vulnerability, as the developers have typically implemented proper HTML sanitization and input validation measures. Organizations should also implement Content Security Policy headers to limit the execution of inline scripts and restrict the sources from which scripts can be loaded. Additionally, regular security assessments and input sanitization reviews should be conducted to ensure that similar vulnerabilities do not exist in other parts of the application. The remediation process should include thorough testing of all user input fields, particularly those used in modal dialogs and forms, to ensure that malicious content is properly filtered before being rendered to end users. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring systems that can detect and block suspicious script injection attempts in real-time, as part of a comprehensive defense-in-depth strategy against such vulnerabilities.