CVE-2018-10374 in EasyCMS
Summary
by MITRE
EasyCMS 1.3 has XSS via the s POST parameter (aka a search box value) in an index.php?s=/index/search/index.html request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/31/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-10374 affects EasyCMS version 1.3 and represents a cross-site scripting flaw that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web applications through improperly sanitized input. This specific weakness manifests when the application processes the s POST parameter within the search functionality of the index.php?s=/index/search/index.html endpoint, creating an avenue for persistent and reflected XSS attacks. The vulnerability resides in the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize user input before rendering it in web pages, which directly violates fundamental web security principles and industry standards.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits malicious content through the search box parameter s, which gets processed without adequate sanitization measures. When the application renders this input in the search results page, the malicious script executes within the context of other users' browsers, potentially enabling session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. This vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for Initial Access through spearphishing attachments or links. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation practices where the application assumes all input is safe and fails to implement proper output encoding or sanitization mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it can facilitate more sophisticated attacks within the target environment. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to steal session cookies, redirect users to phishing sites, or inject malicious content that persists across multiple user sessions. The search functionality being the attack vector suggests that the vulnerability affects a core application component that likely serves many users, amplifying the potential damage. Organizations using EasyCMS 1.3 may experience unauthorized access to sensitive data, compromised user accounts, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure through the exploitation of this flaw.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-10374 should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application. The most effective approach involves sanitizing all user inputs, particularly those processed through search functionality, by employing proper encoding techniques such as HTML entity encoding before rendering content. Organizations should also implement Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution and consider using web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads. The fix requires updating EasyCMS to a patched version that properly handles the s parameter through input validation, output encoding, and proper parameter sanitization. Additionally, security teams should conduct regular input validation testing, implement proper error handling, and establish secure coding practices that prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future development cycles, aligning with industry standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.