CVE-2018-17321 in SeaCMS
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in SeaCMS 6.64. XSS exists in admin_datarelate.php via the time or maxHit parameter in a dorandomset action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/26/2020
The vulnerability CVE-2018-17321 represents a cross-site scripting flaw within SeaCMS version 6.64 that specifically affects the admin_datarelate.php component. This issue arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied parameters during the dorandomset action execution. The vulnerability manifests when attackers can inject malicious scripts through the time or maxHit parameters, which are processed without proper security controls. Such weaknesses in web application security architecture create opportunities for unauthorized users to execute arbitrary code within the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further compromise of the affected system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic XSS attack pattern where malicious input flows directly into the application's output without appropriate encoding or validation. The time and maxHit parameters serve as entry points for attackers to inject malicious payloads that can be executed when the vulnerable page is rendered. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which is a fundamental weakness in web application security that allows attackers to inject client-side scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The attack vector operates through the manipulation of HTTP request parameters, making it particularly dangerous as it can be delivered through various means including phishing emails, malicious links, or compromised websites that direct users to the vulnerable application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, potentially enabling attackers to gain unauthorized access to administrative functions, steal user sessions, or manipulate content within the CMS. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can execute malicious scripts in the context of authenticated users, potentially compromising the entire content management system. The severity of this issue is amplified by the fact that it affects administrative functionality, meaning that successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, as it allows for JavaScript code execution, and T1566.001 - Credential Access: Phishing, as the attack often involves social engineering to deliver malicious payloads to unsuspecting users.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application. The recommended approach involves sanitizing all user-supplied input through strict validation rules and implementing proper HTML encoding for any output that may contain user-provided data. Organizations should also consider implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit the sources from which scripts can be executed, and regular security audits should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues throughout the codebase. Additionally, upgrading to a patched version of SeaCMS or implementing web application firewall rules to detect and block suspicious parameter values represents the most effective long-term solutions. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against common web application vulnerabilities that can have severe consequences for system security and data integrity.