CVE-2018-10136 in UberforX
Summary
by MITRE
iScripts UberforX 2.2 has Stored XSS in the "manage_settings" section of the Admin Panel via a value field to the /cms?section=manage_settings&action=edit URI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/25/2020
The vulnerability CVE-2018-10136 represents a critical stored cross-site scripting flaw within the iScripts UberforX 2.2 web application, specifically affecting the administrative panel's manage_settings functionality. This issue resides in the /cms?section=manage_settings&action=edit URI endpoint where user input is improperly sanitized and directly rendered without adequate output encoding. The vulnerability allows authenticated attackers with administrative privileges to inject malicious scripts into the application's settings management interface, which then executes in the context of other administrators or users who view the affected pages. The stored nature of this vulnerability means that the malicious payload persists in the application's database and affects all users who access the compromised settings page, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where administrative access is limited but still present.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows the CWE-079 pattern of Cross-Site Scripting, specifically categorized under stored XSS attacks where malicious code is permanently stored on the target server and executed when other users access the affected content. The flaw occurs because the application fails to implement proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms for user-supplied data within the settings management interface. When administrators navigate to the manage_settings section and view the edited values, the malicious script code executes in their browser context, potentially allowing attackers to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of administrators, or redirect users to malicious sites. The vulnerability requires minimal privileges since it targets the administrative panel, making it particularly dangerous as it could enable privilege escalation or complete administrative takeover.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to sensitive administrative functions within the iScripts UberforX platform. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can establish a foothold within the administrative environment and potentially access sensitive business data, modify user accounts, alter system configurations, or deploy additional malicious payloads. The vulnerability affects all users who access the administrative panel, including legitimate administrators, making it a significant threat to the platform's integrity and security. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.005 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: Visual Basic) and T1566 (Phishing) as attackers could leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access and conduct further reconnaissance or exploitation activities. The stored nature of the attack means that even after the initial exploitation, the malicious code continues to execute for any user who accesses the affected settings page, creating a persistent threat vector.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-10136 should focus on implementing robust input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application's data handling pipeline. Organizations should immediately apply the vendor-provided security patches or upgrade to versions that address this vulnerability, as the flaw affects the core administrative functionality of the platform. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection against script execution, while proper input sanitization should be enforced at multiple levels including client-side validation, server-side filtering, and database storage. Regular security audits should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application, particularly in areas where user input is processed and stored. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in administrative access and data modification activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing role-based access controls and privilege separation can limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities by reducing the attack surface available to malicious actors. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to OWASP Top Ten security guidelines to prevent similar issues in future development cycles.