CVE-2018-14388 in joyplus-cms
Summary
by MITRE
joyplus-cms 1.6.0 has XSS via the manager/admin_ajax.php can_search_device array parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/18/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-14388 affects joyplus-cms version 1.6.0 and represents a cross-site scripting flaw within the manager/admin_ajax.php component. This issue specifically manifests through the can_search_device array parameter, which fails to properly sanitize user input before processing. The vulnerability resides in the administrative interface of the content management system, making it particularly concerning for organizations that rely on this platform for their digital infrastructure management.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding practices within the application's backend processing logic. When the can_search_device array parameter is submitted through the admin_ajax.php endpoint, the system does not sufficiently filter or escape special characters that could be interpreted as executable script code by web browsers. This omission creates a persistent cross-site scripting vector that allows attackers to inject malicious payloads into the application's response. The flaw aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities arising from insufficient input sanitization and output encoding.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or session hijacking. An attacker who successfully exploits this XSS flaw can potentially execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of an authenticated administrator's browser session. This capability enables attackers to perform actions such as modifying or deleting content, accessing sensitive administrative functions, or even establishing persistent backdoors within the CMS environment. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it targets the administrative interface, which typically possesses elevated privileges and access to critical system resources. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for Scripting and T1566.001 for Spearphishing Attachment, as it allows for code execution and social engineering attacks that could compromise the entire administrative environment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate input validation and output encoding improvements within the application's codebase. The most effective remediation involves implementing proper parameter sanitization techniques that strip or encode potentially dangerous characters before processing user input. Organizations should also implement Content Security Policy headers to limit the execution of unauthorized scripts within the application context. Additionally, regular security code reviews and automated vulnerability scanning should be integrated into the development lifecycle to prevent similar issues from emerging in future releases. The patching process for this vulnerability requires updating the joyplus-cms to a version that properly handles the can_search_device array parameter through appropriate input validation mechanisms, ensuring that all user-supplied data undergoes strict sanitization before being processed or returned to the browser.