CVE-2018-14422 in SansCMS
Summary
by MITRE
blog/index.php in SansCMS 0.7 has XSS via the q parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/08/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-14422 affects SansCMS version 0.7, specifically within the blog/index.php component where user input is improperly handled through the q parameter. This represents a classic cross-site scripting vulnerability that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization mechanisms within the content management system's search functionality.
The technical flaw manifests when the q parameter, which is typically used for search queries, is not properly sanitized before being rendered back to users. This creates an opportunity for malicious actors to craft specially formatted search terms that contain embedded javascript code or other malicious payloads. When other users navigate to pages that display these search results or when the application processes the search query for display, the injected scripts execute in the context of the victim's browser session. This vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, defacement of content, and redirection to malicious websites. An attacker could potentially steal user authentication cookies, access sensitive information, or manipulate the content displayed to other users. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the core search functionality of the CMS, which is likely to be frequently used and visible to many users. This makes the attack surface relatively large and increases the likelihood of successful exploitation.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing robust input validation and output encoding mechanisms. The most effective approach involves sanitizing all user-supplied input through proper encoding techniques before rendering it in web pages. This includes implementing proper HTML entity encoding for output, validating input length and character sets, and employing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution. Additionally, upgrading to a patched version of SansCMS would address this vulnerability directly. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and regular security scanning to detect similar issues in other components of their web infrastructure. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the principle of least privilege in web application development, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1213 which covers credential access through web application vulnerabilities.