CVE-2018-10138 in CATALooK.netStore Module
Summary
by MITRE
The CATALooK.netStore module through 7.2.8 for DNN (formerly DotNetNuke) allows XSS via the /ViewEditGoogleMaps.aspx PortalID or CATSkin parameter, or the /ImageViewer.aspx link or desc parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/25/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-10138 affects the CATALooK.netStore module version 7.2.8 and earlier implementations within the DNN (formerly DotNetNuke) content management platform. This security flaw represents a cross-site scripting vulnerability that enables malicious actors to inject arbitrary script code into web pages viewed by other users. The vulnerability specifically impacts two distinct file handlers within the module: /ViewEditGoogleMaps.aspx and /ImageViewer.aspx, which process user-supplied input through multiple parameter names including PortalID, CATSkin, link, and desc.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding within the affected DNN module components. When users interact with the module's web interfaces, the application fails to properly sanitize or escape user-provided parameters before rendering them in web responses. This lack of proper input sanitization creates an environment where malicious scripts can be executed in the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability manifests when an attacker crafts malicious payloads in the specified parameters and submits them through the vulnerable endpoints, allowing the injected scripts to execute with the privileges of the affected users.
The operational impact of this cross-site scripting vulnerability is significant as it can lead to various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, data manipulation, and redirection to malicious websites. An attacker could potentially steal session cookies from authenticated users, gain unauthorized access to their accounts, or even escalate privileges within the DNN platform. The vulnerability affects users across different privilege levels since the XSS occurs at the application layer where user input is processed without adequate sanitization. Furthermore, the widespread adoption of DNN platforms means that organizations using affected versions of this module face substantial risk exposure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-10138 should prioritize immediate patching of the CATALooK.netStore module to version 7.2.9 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should also implement input validation measures at the application level, ensuring that all user-supplied parameters undergo proper sanitization before processing. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection against XSS attacks by restricting the sources from which scripts can be loaded. Regular security audits of DNN installations should include checks for outdated modules and plugins that may contain similar vulnerabilities. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and represents a typical example of how insecure input handling can create persistent security risks within web applications. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1212 technique for Exploitation for Credential Access, as successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to user accounts and sensitive information. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests targeting these specific vulnerable parameters, providing an additional layer of defense against exploitation attempts.