CVE-2018-15199 in auraCMS
Summary
by MITRE
AuraCMS 2.3 allows XSS via a Bukutamu -> AddGuestbook action.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/14/2020
AuraCMS 2.3 contains a cross-site scripting vulnerability that arises from insufficient input validation and output encoding in the Bukutamu -> AddGuestbook functionality. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, specifically representing a stored XSS attack vector where malicious scripts can be persisted in the application's database and executed when other users view the guestbook entries. The flaw occurs because the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before rendering it in the web page context, allowing attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code through the guestbook submission form.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to submit malicious payload through the AddGuestbook action interface, which then gets stored in the application's backend database. When other users browse the guestbook section, the stored malicious script executes in their browser context, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be classified under ATT&CK technique T1203 for Exploitation for Credential Access, as the stored XSS could be used to capture user sessions or credentials. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it leverages the trust relationship between legitimate users and the application, making detection more challenging for security monitoring systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can serve as a foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the target environment. An attacker could craft payloads that steal cookies, redirect users to phishing sites, or even execute additional malicious code through browser-based exploits. The vulnerability affects the integrity and availability of the application's guestbook functionality, potentially leading to data corruption or unauthorized modifications. Organizations using AuraCMS 2.3 are at risk of having their user sessions compromised and their application's reputation damaged through persistent malicious content.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application's data handling processes. The recommended approach includes sanitizing all user inputs through whitelist validation, applying context-specific output encoding before rendering any user-supplied content, and implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution. Additionally, the application should enforce proper access controls and regularly audit input validation logic to prevent similar vulnerabilities in other components. Security patches should be applied immediately to address this vulnerability, and organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads attempting to exploit this and similar XSS vulnerabilities. The fix should align with OWASP Top Ten security practices and ensure compliance with industry standards for secure coding practices.