CVE-2018-14869 in PHP Template Store Script
Summary
by MITRE
PHP Template Store Script 3.0.6 allows XSS via the Address line 1, Address Line 2, Bank name, or A/C Holder name field in a profile.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-14869 affects PHP Template Store Script version 3.0.6, representing a cross-site scripting vulnerability that compromises user session integrity and data confidentiality. This flaw exists within the profile management functionality of the web application, specifically targeting four critical input fields including Address Line 1, Address Line 2, Bank name, and A/C Holder name. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before rendering it within web pages. According to CWE-79, this represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw where malicious actors can inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this under TA0001 Initial Access and TA0002 Execution, as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access and execute arbitrary code within victim browsers. The vulnerability impacts the application's integrity and availability by potentially allowing attackers to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or inject malicious content that could compromise the entire user base.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits malicious script code through any of the four vulnerable fields during profile creation or modification. The web application fails to sanitize these inputs before storing and subsequently displaying them in web pages, creating an environment where reflected or stored XSS attacks can succeed. When legitimate users view profiles containing malicious payloads, their browsers execute the injected scripts within the context of the vulnerable application. This execution context allows attackers to access sensitive information, hijack user sessions, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because these fields are typically part of user profile information that is frequently accessed and displayed, amplifying the potential impact of successful exploitation. The lack of proper input validation mechanisms means that attackers can bypass standard security controls and inject payloads that may include malicious javascript, iframe tags, or other script-based attack vectors.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-14869 extends beyond immediate data compromise to threaten the overall security posture of the affected system. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform session hijacking, steal sensitive customer information, or redirect users to phishing sites that appear legitimate. The vulnerability affects both the confidentiality and integrity of user data, as attackers can modify profile information to include malicious content or extract information through script execution. In the context of an e-commerce environment, this vulnerability could lead to financial fraud, customer data breaches, and reputational damage. The persistent nature of stored XSS vulnerabilities means that once exploited, malicious payloads remain active until manually removed from the application database, creating ongoing security risks. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations under standards such as PCI DSS and GDPR if user data is compromised through such vulnerabilities, as the flaw represents a direct threat to data protection requirements.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-14869 should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms across all user-facing fields. The primary defense involves implementing strict sanitization of all user inputs using established libraries and frameworks that properly escape special characters before storing or displaying data. Organizations should deploy Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit script execution and prevent unauthorized code injection. Regular security testing including automated scanning and manual penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities throughout the application codebase. The implementation of proper input validation frameworks such as those recommended by OWASP and the use of parameterized queries for database operations can significantly reduce the risk of XSS exploitation. Additionally, regular updates and patch management procedures should be established to ensure that all known vulnerabilities are addressed promptly. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation in web applications and the need for comprehensive security testing throughout the software development lifecycle to prevent similar flaws from occurring in other parts of the system.