CVE-2018-16381 in e107
Summary
by MITRE
e107 2.1.8 has XSS via the e107_admin/users.php?mode=main&action=list user_loginname parameter.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/03/2020
The vulnerability CVE-2018-16381 represents a cross-site scripting flaw discovered in the e107 content management system version 2.1.8. This vulnerability specifically affects the administrative user management interface where the user_loginname parameter is processed without proper input validation or output encoding. The issue resides in the e107_admin/users.php script which handles user management operations through the mode=main&action=list parameters, making it accessible to authenticated administrators who have access to the user management functionality.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of user input within the administrative panel. When an administrator navigates to the user list view and the system processes the user_loginname parameter, the application fails to properly encode or escape special characters before rendering them in the HTML output. This allows an attacker who has gained administrative access to inject malicious script code that will execute in the context of other administrators' browsers. The vulnerability is classified as a reflected cross-site scripting issue under CWE-79 which specifically addresses improper neutralization of input during web page generation, making it a critical security concern for any web application that processes user-supplied data in its interface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges, steal session cookies, perform actions on behalf of administrators, and potentially gain full control over the affected system. Given that this affects the administrative interface of e107, successful exploitation could allow unauthorized users to modify user accounts, delete content, alter system configurations, or access sensitive data. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, as malicious scripts could be used to execute commands or establish persistent access. Additionally, this vulnerability could facilitate further attacks through credential theft or privilege escalation, making it particularly dangerous in environments where administrators have elevated access rights.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-16381 should focus on immediate patching of the e107 CMS to version 2.1.9 or later where this vulnerability has been resolved through proper input sanitization and output encoding. Organizations should implement strict input validation for all parameters used in administrative interfaces and apply proper HTML escaping to prevent script injection. Regular security audits of web applications should include verification of input handling mechanisms and output encoding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities. Network segmentation and privileged access controls should be implemented to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities, ensuring that even if an attacker gains access to one administrative account, they cannot easily escalate to other administrative functions. The remediation process should also include monitoring for suspicious administrative activities and implementing web application firewalls to detect and block potential exploitation attempts.