CVE-2018-17053 in Sitefinity CMS
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Identity Server in Progress Sitefinity CMS versions 10.0 through 11.0 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via vectors related to login request parameters, a different vulnerability than CVE-2018-17054.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/29/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-17053 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within Progress Sitefinity CMS's Identity Server component affecting versions 10.0 through 11.0. This security weakness resides in the authentication system's handling of login request parameters, creating an avenue for remote attackers to execute malicious scripts within the context of authenticated user sessions. The vulnerability specifically targets the identity management infrastructure rather than general content rendering, making it particularly dangerous as it can compromise user credentials and session data. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the login request processing pipeline, allowing attackers to inject malicious payloads that persist until the compromised session expires or the user logs out. This issue is classified under CWE-79 as a weakness related to cross-site scripting, where the system fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into dynamic web content. The attack vector leverages the authentication flow where login parameters are processed without adequate sanitization, enabling attackers to manipulate the system's response to malicious input.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts specially formatted login request parameters containing malicious script code that gets executed in the victim's browser when the authentication system processes the request. The malicious payload typically consists of javascript code or html elements that can be injected into the login page or authentication response. When the vulnerable system processes these parameters, it fails to properly encode or escape the input before rendering it in the browser context, resulting in script execution. The impact extends beyond simple script injection as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users, or redirect victims to malicious websites. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of improper input validation where the system assumes all input is trustworthy and fails to implement proper sanitization mechanisms. This weakness is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where Sitefinity CMS is used for content management and user authentication, as it can provide attackers with persistent access to sensitive organizational data and systems. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework falls under T1531 - Account Access Through Persistence, as successful exploitation can lead to long-term unauthorized access to user accounts.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-17053 extends far beyond immediate script execution capabilities, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity of the authentication system and user session management. Organizations using affected Sitefinity versions face significant risk of credential theft, session hijacking, and potential lateral movement within their networks. The vulnerability can be exploited by attackers without requiring prior authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it can be used to target any user who interacts with the compromised authentication system. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to create persistent backdoors, harvest user credentials, or redirect authenticated users to phishing sites designed to capture additional sensitive information. The exploitation process typically involves crafting malicious login requests that contain encoded javascript payloads, which are then executed in the victim's browser when the authentication response is rendered. This vulnerability also impacts the system's overall security posture by undermining user trust in the authentication process and potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges within the application. The risk is compounded by the fact that Sitefinity CMS is commonly used for enterprise content management, where the compromise of user sessions can lead to access to sensitive business data, confidential documents, and administrative functions. Organizations may experience significant operational disruption, regulatory compliance violations, and potential financial losses due to unauthorized access to critical systems and data. The vulnerability's persistence in versions 10.0 through 11.0 indicates a prolonged exposure window where organizations were vulnerable to attacks without proper patch management or mitigation strategies. Security teams must implement comprehensive monitoring and incident response procedures to detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts, while also ensuring that all affected systems are promptly updated to patched versions. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation and output encoding in web application security, particularly within authentication and session management components where the stakes are highest for enterprise security.