CVE-2018-15184 in Naukri Clone Script
Summary
by MITRE
PHP Scripts Mall Naukri / Shine / Jobsite Clone Script 3.0.4 has Stored XSS via the USERNAME field, a related issue to CVE-2018-6795.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/15/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-15184 affects PHP Scripts Mall Naukri/Shine/Jobsite Clone Script version 3.0.4, representing a critical stored cross-site scripting flaw that enables attackers to execute malicious scripts within the context of victims' browsers. This vulnerability specifically manifests through the USERNAME field, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited during user registration or profile update processes where username inputs are accepted and stored in the database. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject persistent JavaScript code that will execute whenever other users view the affected username in the application interface, creating a vector for widespread exploitation across the user base.
The technical implementation of this stored XSS vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization within the application's user management system. When user-provided usernames are stored without proper encoding or filtering, subsequent display operations fail to escape special characters that could be interpreted as HTML or JavaScript code. This creates a persistent threat where malicious payloads remain embedded in the database and are automatically executed each time the vulnerable content is rendered to authenticated users. The vulnerability's relationship to CVE-2018-6795 indicates a broader pattern of insufficient sanitization practices within this class of recruitment portal scripts, suggesting that multiple input vectors across the application may be susceptible to similar attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users, redirect victims to malicious sites, or even escalate privileges within the application. Users who view infected usernames in job listings, user profiles, or other display areas become unwitting participants in the attack chain, making the exploitation process particularly insidious. The stored nature of the vulnerability means that even if the initial injection occurs during a single user interaction, the malicious code persists and can affect numerous users over extended periods, potentially leading to data breaches, credential theft, or complete account compromise. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-79 which categorizes cross-site scripting flaws as weaknesses in input validation and output encoding, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1531 which covers "Use of Cloud Instance API" in the context of persistent access through compromised user sessions.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar issues. The primary fix involves implementing comprehensive input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application, particularly for all user-generated content including usernames, ensuring that special characters are properly escaped before storage and display. Additionally, developers should implement proper Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution capabilities, establish input length restrictions, and utilize prepared statements to prevent SQL injection alongside XSS. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify other potential injection points, while user input validation should be enforced server-side rather than relying on client-side checks alone. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring systems to detect and prevent exploitation attempts, while user education regarding suspicious profile content can help identify potential attacks. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of defense-in-depth strategies and proper secure coding practices, particularly in applications handling user-generated content where the attack surface can be significantly expanded through inadequate sanitization controls.