CVE-2018-17300 in CuppaCMS
Summary
by MITRE
Stored XSS exists in CuppaCMS through 2018-09-03 via an administrator/#/component/table_manager/view/cu_menus section name.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/26/2020
The vulnerability CVE-2018-17300 represents a stored cross-site scripting flaw within CuppaCMS version 1.6.5 and earlier, specifically affecting the administrator interface at the component/table_manager/view/cu_menus section. This vulnerability allows authenticated attackers with administrative privileges to inject malicious scripts that persist in the application's database and execute whenever the affected page is accessed. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization mechanisms within the CMS's menu management functionality, where user-supplied data is directly stored without proper encoding or filtering. This creates a persistent security risk where malicious payloads can be executed in the context of any user who views the compromised menu entries, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or further system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-079, which defines Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) as a common weakness in web applications where untrusted data is improperly handled during web page generation. The stored nature of this vulnerability means that the malicious script is permanently stored on the server and executed every time the affected page is rendered, distinguishing it from reflected XSS attacks that require user interaction with a crafted link. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by injecting malicious JavaScript code into the menu name field, which then executes in the browser context of other administrators or users who access the vulnerable section. The attack chain typically involves an authenticated administrator navigating to the menu management interface, entering malicious input, and subsequently having their payload executed by other users who view the compromised menu items.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-17300 extends beyond simple script execution as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold within the CMS environment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can establish a backdoor for continued access, escalate privileges through session manipulation, or use the compromised interface to conduct further reconnaissance and lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in multi-user environments where multiple administrators have access to the CMS, as it allows for unauthorized data manipulation, content injection, and potential privilege escalation. The persistence of stored XSS makes this vulnerability especially dangerous as it can remain undetected for extended periods, potentially allowing attackers to maintain access while performing malicious activities without immediate detection.
Organizations should implement comprehensive mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability, including immediate patching of CuppaCMS to version 1.6.6 or later where the issue has been resolved. Input validation and output encoding mechanisms should be strengthened throughout the application to prevent any user-supplied data from being stored or executed without proper sanitization. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that only necessary users have administrative access to the CMS, reducing the attack surface. Additionally, regular security audits and web application firewalls should be deployed to monitor for suspicious activity and prevent exploitation attempts. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of implementing secure coding practices and conducting regular penetration testing to identify and remediate similar issues before they can be exploited by malicious actors. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for Scripting and T1566.001 for Spearphishing Attachment, as it enables attackers to establish persistent access through malicious script injection and potentially expand their initial compromise.