CVE-2018-16474 in tianma-static Module
Summary
by MITRE
A stored xss in tianma-static module versions <=1.0.4 allows an attacker to execute arbitrary javascript.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/10/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-16474 represents a critical stored cross-site scripting flaw within the tianma-static module, affecting versions 1.0.4 and earlier. This vulnerability resides in the module's handling of user-supplied input that is subsequently rendered without adequate sanitization or encoding mechanisms. The tianma-static module appears to be a static file serving component that processes and displays content generated from user interactions or external inputs, creating an attack surface where malicious script code can be persistently stored and executed.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding practices within the module's codebase. When users submit content that gets stored in the system's database or file storage, the module fails to properly sanitize this data before it is served back to other users. This stored data can contain malicious javascript payloads that execute in the context of other users' browsers when they access the affected content. The flaw operates as a classic stored XSS attack where the malicious code is injected once and then triggered repeatedly whenever the compromised data is rendered, making it particularly dangerous for persistent exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, data exfiltration, and redirection to malicious sites. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to steal user cookies, access sensitive information, modify content, or even escalate privileges within the affected application. The persistent nature of stored XSS makes this vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors as it can maintain access over extended periods without requiring repeated injection attempts. This flaw directly violates security principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, specifically addressing the category of injection vulnerabilities and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege in web application security.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-16474 should focus on immediate remediation through version updates to the tianma-static module, ensuring that all affected systems are patched to versions that properly implement input sanitization and output encoding. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation mechanisms that filter or escape special characters in user-supplied data, particularly before storage and rendering. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional defense-in-depth measures to prevent execution of unauthorized scripts even if the primary vulnerability is not fully patched. Security teams should also conduct thorough code reviews to identify similar patterns in other modules and implement proper output encoding for all dynamic content. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and represents a clear indicator of inadequate web application security controls that should be addressed through comprehensive security awareness training and secure coding practices aligned with NIST SP 800-53 security controls. The attack surface should be minimized through proper access controls and regular security assessments to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future development cycles.