CVE-2018-16638 in Evolution
Summary
by MITRE
Evolution CMS 1.4.x allows XSS via the manager/ search parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/24/2020
Evolution CMS version 1.4.x contains a cross-site scripting vulnerability that specifically affects the manager/search parameter, creating a significant security risk for web applications utilizing this content management system. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, where improperly sanitized input allows malicious actors to inject client-side scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The flaw exists within the administrative interface of the CMS, specifically in how the search functionality processes user input without adequate validation or sanitization measures. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious payloads in the search parameter that, when processed by the server, get executed in the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability presents a direct threat to the integrity and confidentiality of administrative sessions, potentially allowing unauthorized access to sensitive system information and user data. Given that this affects the manager interface, successful exploitation could enable attackers to escalate privileges, modify content, or even take complete control of the CMS administration panel.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can facilitate more sophisticated attacks within the context of the compromised system. When an attacker successfully injects malicious scripts through the search parameter, they can leverage this to perform session hijacking, steal administrative credentials, or manipulate the CMS functionality to serve as a launching point for further attacks. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited by threat actors who gain access to the CMS administrative interface, potentially leading to full system compromise. Organizations using Evolution CMS 1.4.x are particularly vulnerable because the flaw affects the core administrative search functionality, making it a high-value target for attackers seeking to gain unauthorized access to content management systems. The attack surface is widened by the fact that this vulnerability can be exploited without requiring authentication, making it accessible to anyone who can interact with the CMS search functionality.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate input validation and output encoding measures to prevent script injection attacks. The most effective approach involves implementing strict sanitization of all user input, particularly in administrative interfaces where search functionality is prevalent. Organizations should apply the latest security patches provided by Evolution CMS developers, as these typically include proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policy headers can provide an additional layer of protection against XSS attacks by restricting the sources from which scripts can be executed within the browser. Network-based protections such as web application firewalls can also help detect and block malicious payloads targeting this specific vulnerability. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the CMS or related web applications. The remediation process should include comprehensive code review to ensure that all input handling mechanisms properly sanitize user data before processing, aligning with security best practices established by industry standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.