CVE-2018-14486 in DNN
Summary
by MITRE
DNN (formerly DotNetNuke) 9.1.1 allows cross-site scripting (XSS) via XML.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2023
DNN platform version 9.1.1 contains a critical cross-site scripting vulnerability that arises from improper handling of XML input data within the application's processing pipeline. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, representing a fundamental weakness in input validation and output encoding mechanisms. The flaw specifically manifests when the system processes XML formatted data that contains malicious script payloads, allowing attackers to inject executable code into web pages viewed by other users. The vulnerability exists due to insufficient sanitization of XML content before it is rendered in web interfaces, creating an attack surface where untrusted input can be transformed into malicious execution contexts.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from the platform's XML parsing and rendering components failing to properly escape or filter special characters that could be interpreted as HTML or JavaScript code. When XML data containing script tags or malicious payloads is processed through DNN's content management system, the application does not adequately sanitize the input before displaying it in user-facing interfaces. This creates an environment where an attacker can craft XML content with embedded JavaScript or HTML code that executes in the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because DNN is widely used for enterprise content management, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking to compromise user sessions or extract sensitive information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable more sophisticated attacks including session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could potentially establish persistent access to user accounts, manipulate content, or redirect users to malicious sites. The attack surface is broad given that DNN installations typically handle various types of XML content including RSS feeds, import/export data, and user-generated content that may contain XML formatting. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, as it allows for JavaScript code execution within victim browsers. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for Initial Access: Spearphishing Attachment, since attackers could craft malicious XML attachments designed to exploit this flaw when processed by DNN systems.
Organizations running DNN 9.1.1 should immediately implement multiple layers of mitigation strategies to protect against exploitation of this vulnerability. The primary remediation involves upgrading to a patched version of the DNN platform where the XML input sanitization has been properly implemented. Until such upgrades are completed, administrators should enforce strict input validation policies that filter or reject XML content containing suspicious patterns. Network-based mitigations including web application firewalls and content filtering systems can help detect and block malicious XML payloads before they reach the application. Additionally, security teams should implement proper output encoding for all XML data rendered in web contexts, ensuring that any special characters are properly escaped. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide an additional defense-in-depth measure by restricting script execution within the application environment. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify any other potential XSS vulnerabilities within their DNN installations and ensure proper security configuration of XML processing components.