CVE-2018-16980 in dotCMS
Summary
by MITRE
dotCMS V5.0.1 has XSS in the /html/portlet/ext/contentlet/image_tools/index.jsp fieldName and inode parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/16/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-16980 affects dotCMS version 5.0.1 and represents a cross-site scripting flaw within the image_tools.jsp component of the content management system. This vulnerability specifically targets the fieldName and inode parameters that are processed through the /html/portlet/ext/contentlet/image_tools/index.jsp endpoint, creating a potential attack vector for malicious actors to execute unauthorized scripts within the context of a victim's browser session.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding within the dotCMS application framework. When the system processes the fieldName and inode parameters without proper sanitization, it fails to adequately escape or filter user-supplied data before rendering it in the web page context. This allows attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code through these parameters, which then executes in the browser of any user who views the affected page. The vulnerability manifests as a classic reflected cross-site scripting issue where malicious input is immediately reflected back to the user without proper security controls.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations using dotCMS 5.0.1 as their content management platform. Attackers could leverage this flaw to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users, redirect victims to malicious websites, or even escalate privileges within the CMS environment. The vulnerability affects the administrative functionality of the platform, potentially allowing unauthorized users to gain access to sensitive content management features. Given that dotCMS is used by organizations for managing web content, the impact extends beyond simple script execution to potential data breaches and service disruption.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is particularly concerning as it targets core content management functionality that administrators and content creators regularly interact with. The fact that the vulnerability exists in the image_tools.jsp component suggests that it could be exploited during routine content management tasks, making it more likely to be encountered in real-world scenarios. Security practitioners should consider this vulnerability in the context of broader web application security frameworks, particularly those related to input validation and output encoding practices.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation for the affected parameters, proper output encoding of user-supplied data, and application-level security controls to prevent unauthorized script execution. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in software applications. Additionally, this issue should be viewed through the lens of ATT&CK framework tactic TA0001 (Initial Access) and technique T1190 (Exploit Public-Facing Application) as it represents an exploitable weakness in a publicly accessible content management system component. Regular security updates and patch management procedures should be prioritized to address this vulnerability and prevent similar issues from occurring in other components of the dotCMS platform.