CVE-2018-1000513 in LimeSurvey
Summary
by MITRE
LimeSurvey version 3.0.0-beta.3+17110 contains a Cross Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Boxes that can result in JS code execution against LimeSurvey admins. This vulnerability appears to have been fixed in 3.6.x.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/22/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1000513 affects LimeSurvey version 3.0.0-beta.3 and earlier, representing a critical cross site scripting flaw within the application's administrative interface. This vulnerability specifically targets the Boxes functionality, which is a component used to display dynamic content within the LimeSurvey administration panel. The flaw allows attackers to inject malicious javascript code into the boxes configuration, which then executes in the context of the admin user's browser session. The security implications are severe as administrators typically possess elevated privileges and access to sensitive survey data, making this vector particularly dangerous for attackers seeking to compromise the entire LimeSurvey deployment.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which categorizes cross site scripting flaws as weaknesses that allow attackers to inject malicious scripts into web applications. This particular implementation flaw occurs when the application fails to properly sanitize user input provided through the boxes configuration interface. When administrators view the boxes content, the unsanitized input is rendered directly into the html output without appropriate encoding or validation, creating an environment where javascript code can execute with the privileges of the logged-in admin user. The vulnerability represents a classic reflected XSS attack vector where malicious payloads are stored and then executed when the affected page is loaded, rather than being transmitted through url parameters or form fields.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can lead to complete administrative compromise of the LimeSurvey instance. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to steal session cookies, modify survey configurations, access confidential survey responses, or even escalate privileges within the application. The fact that this vulnerability was patched in version 3.6.x indicates that the developers recognized the severity of the issue and implemented proper input sanitization measures. Organizations running vulnerable versions of LimeSurvey face significant risk of unauthorized access to sensitive survey data, which could include personal health information, financial data, or other confidential responses depending on the survey content. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability affects administrative functions, meaning that successful exploitation would provide attackers with full control over the LimeSurvey installation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate upgrade to LimeSurvey version 3.6.x or later, as this addresses the root cause of the XSS flaw through proper input validation and sanitization. Organizations should also implement additional security measures including regular security audits of web applications, input validation for all user-provided data, and monitoring of administrative interfaces for suspicious activity. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper security testing in web applications, particularly in components that handle user input and render dynamic content. Security professionals should also consider implementing content security policies and using web application firewalls to provide additional layers of protection against similar vulnerabilities. This case highlights the critical need for maintaining up-to-date software versions and the potential consequences of running outdated applications that may contain known security flaws.