CVE-2018-15582 in GNUBOARD5
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in adm/sms_admin/num_book_write.php and adm/sms_admin/num_book_update.php in gnuboard5 before 5.3.1.6 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/19/2024
This cross-site scripting vulnerability exists in the gnuboard5 content management system prior to version 5.3.1.6 within two specific administrative script files. The vulnerability is classified as CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which represents one of the most common and dangerous web application security flaws. The affected files adm/sms_admin/num_book_write.php and adm/sms_admin/num_book_update.php process user input without adequate sanitization or output encoding, creating an environment where malicious actors can inject arbitrary HTML and JavaScript code.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient validation and sanitization of input parameters passed to these administrative endpoints. When administrators or users interact with the SMS number book management functionality, the application fails to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before rendering it in web pages. This allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further exploitation of the compromised systems. The vulnerability affects the administrative interface, meaning successful exploitation could provide attackers with elevated privileges and access to sensitive administrative functions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables remote code execution through browser-based attacks without requiring authentication. Attackers can craft malicious URLs or inject scripts through the SMS number book management features, potentially compromising all users who view the affected pages. This creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited across multiple sessions and users, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 - Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment, where attackers can deliver malicious payloads through seemingly legitimate administrative interfaces.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching to version 5.3.1.6 or later, which contains the necessary input validation and output encoding fixes. Additionally, implementing proper content security policies, input validation at multiple layers, and regular security auditing of web applications can prevent similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious input patterns, along with comprehensive security training for administrators to recognize potential social engineering attempts that might exploit this vulnerability. The fix typically involves implementing proper HTML escaping and input sanitization techniques as recommended by OWASP and other security frameworks.