CVE-2018-11735 in Ximdex
Summary
by MITRE
index.php?action=createaccount in Ximdex 4.0 has XSS via the sname or fname parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/21/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-11735 affects Ximdex 4.0 content management system where the index.php?action=createaccount endpoint fails to properly sanitize user input parameters. This flaw exists in the sname and fname parameters which are used to capture surname and first name values during account creation processes. The absence of adequate input validation and output encoding creates an opportunity for malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into the web application.
This cross-site scripting vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied data within the account creation workflow. When users submit data through the createaccount form, the application processes the sname and fname parameters without proper HTML escaping or input filtering mechanisms. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious payloads containing script tags or other XSS vectors that get executed in the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability represents a classic case of improper input validation where user data flows directly into the application's output without appropriate security measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or defacement. An attacker who successfully exploits this XSS flaw can establish persistent sessions, steal cookies, perform actions on behalf of authenticated users, or redirect victims to malicious sites. This creates a significant risk for user privacy and application integrity, particularly in environments where Ximdex serves as a content management platform for sensitive information. The vulnerability affects the authentication and account management functionality, potentially compromising user credentials and system access controls. According to CWE standards, this corresponds to CWE-79 which categorizes cross-site scripting flaws as weaknesses in input validation and output encoding.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and control communication through web shells and malicious scripts. Attackers can leverage the XSS to establish a foothold within the application environment, potentially escalating privileges or accessing restricted administrative functions. The vulnerability also intersects with T1566 which covers social engineering through malicious web content delivery. Organizations using Ximdex 4.0 should implement immediate mitigations including input sanitization, output encoding, and proper parameter validation. The recommended approach involves implementing Content Security Policy headers, employing proper HTML escaping for all user-supplied content, and ensuring that all form inputs undergo rigorous validation before processing. Additionally, regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components and ensure comprehensive protection against similar cross-site scripting threats.