CVE-2018-17025 in Monstra
Summary
by MITRE
admin/index.php in Monstra CMS 3.0.4 allows XSS via the page_meta_title parameter in an edit_page action for a page with no special role.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/16/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-17025 represents a cross-site scripting flaw within the Monstra CMS 3.0.4 content management system. This security weakness specifically affects the administrative interface where users can edit pages through the admin/index.php script. The vulnerability manifests when processing the page_meta_title parameter during an edit_page action, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to inject persistent or reflected malicious scripts into the web application. The flaw is particularly concerning because it targets the administrative section of the CMS, potentially allowing attackers to compromise the entire content management infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization within the Monstra CMS administrative interface. When administrators or users with appropriate privileges attempt to edit pages, the system fails to properly sanitize the page_meta_title parameter before rendering it back to the browser. This lack of proper sanitization creates a direct pathway for attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code that executes in the context of other users' browsers who view the affected pages. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79 as a failure to sanitize user input, specifically in the context of web application security. The attack vector requires minimal privileges since it targets a standard administrative function rather than requiring elevated access, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users have editing capabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable a range of malicious activities including session hijacking, data theft, and privilege escalation within the CMS environment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially steal administrator session cookies, allowing them to impersonate legitimate users and gain full administrative control over the CMS. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to modify page content, inject malicious links, or redirect users to phishing sites. This type of attack aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically JavaScript execution, and can contribute to broader attack chains involving credential theft and lateral movement within compromised environments. The persistent nature of the vulnerability means that once exploited, malicious code can continue to affect users until the affected parameter is properly sanitized or the page is modified.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate input sanitization and output encoding within the Monstra CMS administrative interface. The primary remediation involves implementing proper parameter validation and sanitization for all user-supplied input, particularly in administrative contexts where privilege levels are higher. Organizations should ensure that the page_meta_title parameter undergoes strict sanitization before being stored or rendered back to users, including the removal of potentially dangerous characters and the encoding of special characters. Regular security updates and patches should be applied to ensure the CMS remains protected against known vulnerabilities, as Monstra CMS has since released versions that address this specific flaw. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and role-based permissions within the CMS can help limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities by ensuring that only authorized users have access to administrative functions. Network monitoring and intrusion detection systems should also be configured to detect anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly around administrative interfaces and parameter manipulation activities.