CVE-2018-12431 in SeaCMS
Summary
by MITRE
SeaCMS V6.61 has XSS via the site name parameter on an adm1n/admin_config.php page (aka a system management page).
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/19/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-12431 affects SeaCMS version 6.61 and represents a cross-site scripting flaw that resides within the administrative configuration interface of the content management system. This particular weakness manifests through the site name parameter which is processed on the adm1n/admin_config.php page, a critical system management endpoint that administrators utilize to configure core platform settings. The vulnerability exists because the application fails to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into dynamic web page content, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary script code into the application's response.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding practices within the SeaCMS codebase. When administrators access the configuration page to modify site name parameters, the application directly reflects user-supplied data without appropriate sanitization measures. This allows attackers to craft malicious payloads that, when executed in the context of an administrator's browser session, can perform actions such as stealing session cookies, redirecting users to malicious sites, or executing unauthorized administrative commands. The vulnerability specifically targets the administrative interface, which amplifies its potential impact since successful exploitation could grant attackers elevated privileges within the system.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant security risk to organizations relying on SeaCMS for their content management needs. The attack vector requires minimal privileges to exploit, as the vulnerability exists in the public-facing administrative configuration page rather than requiring prior authentication. Successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data theft, or unauthorized modifications to website content and configuration settings. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system, potentially enabling attackers to establish persistent access through session hijacking or credential theft mechanisms. Security practitioners should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and may be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script execution within the application context.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-12431 should prioritize immediate patching of the SeaCMS application to the latest available version that addresses this specific vulnerability. Organizations should also implement input validation measures at the application level, ensuring that all user-supplied data undergoes proper sanitization before being processed or displayed. Web application firewalls can provide additional protection layers by detecting and blocking malicious payloads targeting this specific vulnerability pattern. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potential XSS vulnerabilities within the application, particularly focusing on administrative interfaces and configuration pages. Regular security updates, proper input validation implementation, and ongoing monitoring of application logs for suspicious activities remain essential defensive measures. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of securing administrative interfaces and implementing proper output encoding mechanisms to prevent malicious code execution in web applications.