CVE-2018-11330 in Pluck
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in Pluck before 4.7.6. There is authenticated stored XSS because the character set for filenames is not properly restricted.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/14/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2018-11330 represents a authenticated stored cross-site scripting flaw in the Pluck content management system prior to version 4.7.6. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly restrict character sets used in filename handling within the application's file management functionality. The issue specifically affects authenticated users who can upload or modify files, creating a persistent XSS attack vector that can be exploited by malicious actors with valid credentials.
This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting and aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter. The technical flaw manifests when users with authenticated access upload files containing malicious scripts within their filenames. Since the application does not properly sanitize or restrict the character set allowed in filenames, attackers can inject malicious JavaScript code that gets stored within the system's file metadata or directory listings. When other users browse these affected files or view directory listings, the stored XSS payload executes in their browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or further compromise of the affected systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it creates a persistent threat that can affect multiple users over time. Once an attacker successfully uploads a maliciously named file, the XSS payload remains active until the file is removed or the system is updated. This stored nature of the vulnerability makes it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users regularly access file listings or where file management is a common administrative task. The authenticated nature of the exploit means that attackers need valid credentials, but this requirement does not significantly reduce the risk since compromised accounts or insider threats can easily leverage this vulnerability.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to Pluck version 4.7.6 or later, which contains proper character set restrictions for filenames. Additionally, administrators should enforce strict input validation policies that sanitize all user-supplied data before processing, particularly in file naming contexts. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious file upload activities, and regular security audits should verify that filename handling logic properly restricts potentially dangerous characters. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of proper secure coding practices and input validation as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines, emphasizing that even authenticated users should be subject to proper sanitization controls to prevent privilege escalation through stored XSS vectors.