CVE-2018-11227 in Monstra
Summary
by MITRE
Monstra CMS before 3.0.4 has XSS via index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/30/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-11227 affects Monstra CMS versions prior to 3.0.4 and represents a cross-site scripting flaw located within the index.php file. This issue allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users, potentially leading to unauthorized actions performed on behalf of victims. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization mechanisms within the CMS core, specifically when processing user-supplied data through the index.php script.
This XSS vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which categorizes improper neutralization of input during web page generation as a critical weakness in web applications. The flaw enables attackers to execute malicious JavaScript code in the context of a victim's browser session, potentially compromising user credentials, session tokens, or other sensitive information. The attack typically occurs when user input is directly reflected in web page output without proper sanitization, creating an opportunity for malicious script injection.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it can facilitate more sophisticated attacks including session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration. Attackers can leverage this flaw to impersonate legitimate users, access restricted content, modify website data, or redirect users to malicious sites. The vulnerability affects all users of affected Monstra CMS versions, making it particularly concerning for websites that rely on user-generated content or have multiple administrators with varying privilege levels.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-11227 include immediate upgrade to Monstra CMS version 3.0.4 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the XSS vulnerability. Organizations should also implement comprehensive input validation measures, including the use of Content Security Policy headers, proper output encoding, and regular security assessments of web applications. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious user input patterns can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script injection and T1566 for social engineering attacks that leverage XSS for credential theft and session manipulation.