CVE-2018-12101 in CMS Clipper
Summary
by MITRE
CMS Clipper 1.3.3 has XSS in the Security tab search, User Groups, Resource Groups, and User/Resource Group Links fields.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/25/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-12101 affects CMS Clipper version 1.3.3 and represents a cross-site scripting flaw that specifically targets the Security tab functionality of the content management system. This vulnerability exists within multiple fields including search capabilities, User Groups, Resource Groups, and the User/Resource Group Links sections, indicating a widespread impact across the security management components of the application. The flaw allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into these input fields, which can then be executed in the context of other users' browsers when they access the affected pages.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which defines cross-site scripting as a code injection attack that occurs when user-supplied data is improperly validated or sanitized before being rendered in web pages. In this case, the CMS Clipper application fails to properly sanitize user input in the security-related administrative interfaces, creating an environment where malicious actors can inject JavaScript code or other malicious payloads. When legitimate users view the affected pages, their browsers execute the injected scripts, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or further exploitation of the compromised user accounts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to manipulate the security configuration of the CMS system. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially escalate privileges, modify user permissions, or gain unauthorized access to sensitive resources within the content management environment. The affected fields in the Security tab suggest that this vulnerability could be particularly damaging as it targets core administrative functions that control user access and resource allocation. The vulnerability's presence in both User Groups and Resource Groups fields indicates that attackers could potentially disrupt the entire access control mechanism of the system.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability follows patterns commonly associated with the attack technique T1059.007 from the MITRE ATT&CK framework, which describes the use of script-based attacks through web interfaces. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that it exists in administrative interfaces where legitimate users would have elevated privileges, making successful exploitation potentially more dangerous. Security practitioners should consider implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding measures across all user-facing input fields within the CMS, particularly those used in administrative contexts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of sanitizing all user-supplied data, especially in security-sensitive areas where the consequences of successful exploitation could be severe. Organizations utilizing CMS Clipper 1.3.3 should prioritize immediate patching or implementation of compensating controls to prevent unauthorized access and potential system compromise through this cross-site scripting vulnerability.