CVE-2018-16776 in wityCMS
Summary
by MITRE
wityCMS 0.6.2 has XSS via the "Site Name" field found in the "Contact" "Configuration" page.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2018-16776 represents a cross-site scripting flaw within wityCMS version 0.6.2 that specifically targets the "Site Name" field within the Contact Configuration page. This issue falls under the category of persistent XSS attacks where malicious input can be stored on the server and subsequently executed in the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability arises from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the CMS's configuration handling module, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute when legitimate users view the affected page.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the CMS's failure to properly sanitize user input before rendering it in web pages. When administrators or users access the Contact Configuration page and modify the "Site Name" field, the application does not adequately escape special characters or validate the input against known XSS attack patterns. This creates an environment where malicious actors can embed script tags or other executable code within the site name field, which then gets rendered to unsuspecting users' browsers. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates in a privileged context where administrators might be editing configuration fields, potentially allowing attackers to escalate their privileges or steal session cookies.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability exposes wityCMS installations to several attack vectors that can compromise user sessions and potentially lead to full system compromise. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the browser context of authenticated users, potentially stealing session tokens, redirecting users to malicious sites, or performing actions on behalf of victims. The attack requires minimal privileges since it targets a configuration field that typically requires administrative access, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that do not properly segment their administrative interfaces. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to persistent security weaknesses.
The exploitation of this vulnerability follows standard XSS attack patterns where attackers craft malicious payloads that are stored in the database and executed when legitimate users access the affected page. This type of attack can be classified under the ATT&CK framework's T1059.007 technique for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript" and T1531 for "Account Access Removal" when session hijacking occurs. Organizations using wityCMS 0.6.2 should immediately implement input validation measures that sanitize all user-supplied data, particularly in configuration fields. The recommended mitigations include implementing proper output encoding for all dynamic content, deploying Content Security Policy headers to restrict script execution, and conducting regular input validation on all user-facing fields. Additionally, organizations should consider upgrading to patched versions of wityCMS or implementing web application firewalls to detect and prevent such attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input sanitization in web applications and serves as a reminder that even seemingly innocuous configuration fields can represent significant security risks when proper validation measures are not implemented.