CVE-2018-18296 in MetInfo
Summary
by MITRE
MetInfo 6.1.2 has XSS via the /admin/index.php bigclass parameter in an n=column&a=doadd action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/02/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-18296 affects MetInfo version 6.1.2 and represents a cross-site scripting flaw that resides within the administrative interface of the content management system. This issue manifests specifically when processing the bigclass parameter through the /admin/index.php endpoint during an n=column&a=doadd action. The flaw enables attackers to inject malicious scripts into the application's administrative interface, potentially compromising the security of the entire system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization within the MetInfo administration panel. When administrators navigate to the column management section and attempt to add new content, the application fails to properly sanitize the bigclass parameter value before rendering it in the web interface. This lack of proper sanitization creates an environment where maliciously crafted input can be executed as client-side scripts within the context of the administrator's browser session.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for more sophisticated attacks. An attacker who can successfully exploit this vulnerability gains the ability to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of the administrator's browser, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or unauthorized modifications to the website's content and structure. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it targets the administrative interface, which typically contains sensitive configuration options and privileged access controls.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which defines Cross-Site Scripting as a weakness that occurs when an application incorporates untrusted data into web pages without proper validation or escaping. The attack vector specifically follows the pattern described in the ATT&CK framework under T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, where adversaries leverage browser-based scripting to execute malicious code. Organizations using MetInfo 6.1.2 should immediately implement mitigations including input validation, output encoding, and parameter sanitization to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.
The remediation strategy should prioritize updating to a patched version of MetInfo that addresses this specific XSS vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper input validation mechanisms and output encoding techniques can serve as temporary mitigations while awaiting the official security patch. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious parameter values in administrative endpoints, and access controls should be reviewed to ensure that only authorized personnel can access the vulnerable administrative interface. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the web application ecosystem.