CVE-2018-12657 in SLiMS 8 Akasia
Summary
by MITRE
Reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) exists in the Master File module in SLiMS 8 Akasia 8.3.1 via an admin/modules/master_file/rda_cmc.php?keywords= URI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/28/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-12657 represents a reflected cross-site scripting flaw within the SLiMS 8 Akasia 8.3.1 content management system, specifically affecting the Master File module. This issue manifests through the admin/modules/master_file/rda_cmc.php endpoint where user-supplied input is not properly sanitized or validated before being reflected back to the user's browser. The vulnerability occurs when the keywords parameter is passed through the URI without adequate input filtering mechanisms, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code that executes in the context of other users' sessions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which categorizes cross-site scripting flaws as weaknesses in web applications that allow attackers to inject client-side scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The reflected nature of this vulnerability means that the malicious script is reflected off the web server rather than being stored, making it particularly dangerous as it can be delivered through phishing emails, malicious links, or compromised websites. Attackers can craft specially formatted URLs containing malicious JavaScript payloads that, when clicked by an authenticated administrator, will execute the injected code within the administrator's browser session.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides attackers with the ability to escalate privileges and potentially gain full administrative control over the SLiMS system. Since the vulnerability affects the admin module, successful exploitation could allow attackers to modify or delete content, access sensitive data, change system configurations, or even install backdoors. The reflected nature of the vulnerability means that it requires social engineering to deliver the malicious payload, but once executed, it can have lasting consequences for the entire system. The attack typically involves crafting a malicious URL with encoded JavaScript that gets executed when the administrator clicks on it, potentially leading to session hijacking or data exfiltration.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-12657 should focus on implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application. The recommended approach includes sanitizing all user inputs through proper escaping techniques before rendering them in web pages, implementing Content Security Policy headers to restrict script execution, and ensuring that all parameters passed to administrative modules undergo rigorous validation. Additionally, the SLiMS 8 Akasia 8.3.1 system should be updated to a patched version that addresses this vulnerability, as the original version lacks proper input sanitization. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious requests, conduct regular security assessments, and maintain proper access controls to limit the impact of potential exploitation. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 which involves executing malicious code through command and scripting interpreters, and T1566 which covers social engineering tactics including spearphishing with malicious links that could deliver the XSS payload.