CVE-2018-10023 in Catfish
Summary
by MITRE
Catfish CMS V4.7.21 allows XSS via the pinglun parameter to cat/index/index/pinglun (aka an authenticated comment).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/24/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-10023 affects Catfish CMS version 4.7.21 and represents a cross-site scripting vulnerability that can be exploited through the pinglun parameter within the cat/index/index/pinglun endpoint. This issue specifically targets authenticated comment functionality, making it particularly concerning as it allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into comment sections that are visible to other users. The vulnerability exists due to inadequate input validation and output sanitization mechanisms within the CMS's comment handling system, which fails to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before rendering it in web pages.
The technical flaw stems from the CMS's failure to implement proper sanitization of the pinglun parameter, which is used to process comment submissions. When an authenticated user submits a comment containing malicious script code, the system does not adequately sanitize this input before storing or displaying it. This creates an environment where reflected or stored cross-site scripting attacks can occur, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79 as Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which is a fundamental weakness in web application security that enables XSS attacks. The attack vector specifically targets the comment submission functionality, making it accessible through authenticated sessions and potentially amplifying its impact within the CMS's user community.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it can enable attackers to hijack user sessions, steal sensitive information, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could manipulate the comment system to inject malicious code that would execute whenever other users view the affected comments. This could lead to session hijacking through cookie theft, credential theft, or redirection to malicious websites. The authenticated nature of the vulnerability means that attackers do not need to compromise user credentials directly, as they can exploit the legitimate comment functionality to deliver malicious payloads. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for Initial Access through Spearphishing Attachment and T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter through JavaScript, demonstrating how a seemingly benign comment system can become a vector for more sophisticated attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate implementation of input validation and output sanitization measures within the CMS's comment handling system. The fix requires proper escaping of user input before rendering it in web pages, specifically implementing HTML entity encoding for all comment content. Organizations should also implement Content Security Policy headers to limit the execution of inline scripts and prevent unauthorized code execution. Additionally, regular security audits and input validation testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other CMS components. The patch should include proper parameter validation to ensure that the pinglun parameter only accepts expected data types and lengths, while also implementing rate limiting to prevent abuse of the comment system. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious comment submissions, and conduct user education to help identify potentially malicious comment content. These measures align with the OWASP Top 10 security principles and provide comprehensive protection against similar XSS vulnerabilities in web applications.