CVE-2018-16622 in DoraCMS
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in /api/content/addOne in DoraCMS v2.0.3 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) discription or (2) comments field, related to users/userAddContent.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2018-16622 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in DoraCMS version 2.0.3 within the /api/content/addOne endpoint. This vulnerability specifically affects the user content submission functionality where attackers can manipulate the description and comments fields to inject malicious scripts. The flaw exists in the backend API processing logic that fails to properly sanitize or validate user input before storing and rendering it within the application interface. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79 as a classic cross-site scripting weakness, where untrusted data flows from the application's input handling to its output rendering without adequate security controls. This particular implementation allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further exploitation of the affected system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits malicious content through the description or comments fields during content creation operations. The API endpoint processes these inputs without proper input validation or output encoding mechanisms, allowing attackers to embed script tags or other malicious code that gets executed when other users view the content. The vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied data, which violates fundamental secure coding practices for preventing XSS attacks. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it leverages the content management functionality that is inherently trusted by the system, making it easier for attackers to bypass security controls that might otherwise protect against direct script injection attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213 which involves accessing data from a compromised system through various methods including web application exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it creates a persistent threat vector within the content management system. Attackers could potentially steal user sessions, redirect victims to malicious sites, or inject content that could compromise the integrity of the entire content management platform. The vulnerability affects all users who can submit content through the API endpoint, making it particularly dangerous in collaborative environments where multiple users contribute content. The risk is amplified because the affected fields are commonly used and frequently accessed, providing attackers with numerous opportunities to exploit the vulnerability. Organizations using DoraCMS v2.0.3 should consider this vulnerability as a critical security concern that could lead to unauthorized access, data manipulation, or complete compromise of user sessions. The vulnerability's impact is further compounded by the fact that it affects the core content management functionality, potentially allowing attackers to modify or delete content, alter user permissions, or create backdoors within the system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-16622 should focus on implementing robust input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application. The most effective immediate solution involves sanitizing all user inputs through proper validation libraries that can identify and neutralize malicious script content before storage. Organizations should implement Content Security Policy headers to limit the execution of inline scripts and restrict the sources from which scripts can be loaded. The system should also employ proper output encoding when rendering user-generated content, ensuring that any potentially dangerous characters are properly escaped. Additionally, implementing least privilege access controls for content submission functions and regular security audits of input handling processes can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. The recommended remediation includes upgrading to a patched version of DoraCMS, implementing comprehensive input validation for all API endpoints, and establishing automated security testing procedures to detect similar vulnerabilities in the codebase. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring systems to detect and block suspicious input patterns that could indicate attempted exploitation of this vulnerability.