CVE-2018-14513 in WUZHI
Summary
by MITRE
An XSS vulnerability was discovered in WUZHI CMS 4.1.0. There is persistent XSS that allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the form[content] parameter to the index.php?m=feedback&f=index&v=contact URI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/25/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2018-14513 represents a persistent cross-site scripting flaw within WUZHI CMS version 4.1.0 that exposes web applications to remote code execution risks through malicious input injection. This vulnerability specifically targets the feedback module of the content management system where user-submitted content is not properly sanitized before being rendered back to other users. The affected parameter form[content] in the URI index.php?m=feedback&f=index&v=contact allows attackers to embed malicious scripts that execute in the context of other users' browsers when they view the compromised feedback entries.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability operates as a persistent XSS attack where malicious input is stored on the server and subsequently served to other users without proper sanitization or encoding. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the CMS's feedback handling component. When users submit content through the contact form, the application fails to properly escape special characters or validate the input against known malicious patterns, creating an opening for attackers to inject JavaScript code, HTML tags, or other malicious payloads that persist in the database.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it provides attackers with the capability to perform session hijacking, deface websites, steal user credentials, or redirect victims to malicious domains. The persistent nature of the vulnerability means that once exploited, the malicious code remains active until manually removed from the database, allowing attackers to maintain access to compromised systems over extended periods. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 for initial access through malicious content and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage, potentially enabling further exploitation of the compromised environment.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability directly maps to CWE-79 which defines Cross-Site Scripting as a weakness where applications fail to properly validate or encode user input before rendering it in web pages. The attack vector specifically targets web applications that do not implement proper input sanitization controls, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users interact with shared content management systems. Organizations using WUZHI CMS 4.1.0 should immediately implement input validation controls, output encoding, and regular security audits to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability. Mitigation strategies should include implementing Content Security Policy headers, sanitizing all user inputs, and upgrading to patched versions of the CMS to address the persistent XSS flaw that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code through the feedback module.