CVE-2018-16247 in YzmCMS
Summary
by MITRE
YzmCMS 5.1 has XSS via the admin/system_manage/user_config_add.html title parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-16247 affects YzmCMS version 5.1 and represents a cross-site scripting flaw within the administrative interface. This issue specifically manifests in the system_manage/user_config_add.html page where the title parameter fails to properly sanitize user input, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to inject arbitrary script code. The vulnerability resides in the administrative section of the content management system, making it particularly concerning as it could allow unauthorized individuals with access to the admin panel to execute malicious scripts against other administrators or users who might view affected pages.
The technical nature of this flaw aligns with CWE-79 which categorizes cross-site scripting vulnerabilities as weaknesses in web applications that allow attackers to inject client-side scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The vulnerability occurs because the application does not adequately validate or escape the title parameter before rendering it in the web page context. This omission enables attackers to craft malicious payloads that can be executed when the affected page is loaded, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or other malicious activities. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it targets the administrative interface, where users have elevated privileges and access to sensitive system functions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it provides attackers with potential access to administrative functionalities and sensitive data within the CMS environment. When an administrator or other privileged user visits a page containing the malicious script, the payload can execute in their browser context, potentially stealing cookies, session tokens, or other sensitive information. The vulnerability could also be exploited to perform unauthorized actions within the CMS, such as modifying user permissions, accessing restricted content, or even uploading malicious files. This creates a significant risk for organizations relying on YzmCMS for their web presence, as the compromise of administrative credentials could lead to full system infiltration and data breaches.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-16247 should focus on immediate input validation and output encoding within the affected application components. The recommended approach involves implementing proper sanitization of all user-supplied input, particularly in administrative interfaces where sensitive operations occur. This includes applying strict validation rules for the title parameter and ensuring that all output is properly escaped before being rendered in web pages. Organizations should also consider implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit the execution of unauthorized scripts, though this serves as a secondary defense measure. Additionally, the vulnerability demonstrates the importance of regular security audits and patch management processes, as this type of flaw could have been prevented through proper code review practices and adherence to secure coding standards. The issue also highlights the need for comprehensive security training for developers working on web applications to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future releases, aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter usage and T1566 for credential access through social engineering attacks that could exploit such vulnerabilities.