CVE-2018-18622 in Super CMS
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in Waimai Super Cms 20150505. There is XSS via the index.php?m=public&a=doregister username parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/06/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-18622 represents a cross-site scripting flaw within the Waimai Super Cms version 20150505, specifically manifesting in the registration process through the index.php?m=public&a=doregister endpoint. This issue allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into the username parameter, creating a persistent threat vector that can affect all users interacting with the vulnerable system. The vulnerability resides in the application's input validation mechanisms, where user-supplied data is not adequately sanitized before being processed or stored within the system's database.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits a malicious username containing script tags or other executable code through the registration form. The application fails to properly escape or filter special characters in the username field, allowing the injected payload to execute within the browser context of other users who view the compromised username. This type of flaw falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities, where inadequate input validation permits malicious code execution in the victim's browser. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it occurs during user registration, a critical point in the application's user lifecycle where legitimate users are expected to provide identifying information.
The operational consequences of this vulnerability extend beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and redirection to malicious websites. An attacker could craft a username containing JavaScript code that steals session cookies or redirects users to phishing sites when the compromised username appears in user lists or profile displays. The vulnerability's persistence is particularly concerning since registered usernames are typically stored and displayed in multiple contexts throughout the application, creating numerous potential attack vectors. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for Scripting and T1531 for Account Access Through Web Shell, as the XSS could be leveraged to establish persistent access or escalate privileges within the application.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary fix involves implementing proper input sanitization and output encoding for all user-supplied data, particularly in registration forms where usernames are processed. The application should employ strict validation rules that reject or sanitize special characters and script tags from username inputs. Additionally, the system should implement Content Security Policy headers to prevent unauthorized script execution even if the vulnerability is not fully patched. Security measures should include regular input validation testing, automated scanning for similar XSS vulnerabilities, and comprehensive code reviews focusing on user input handling. Organizations should also implement proper logging and monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts, as well as educate users about the risks of registering with malicious usernames. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and output encoding practices as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and the Secure Coding guidelines, emphasizing that all user-supplied data must be treated as potentially malicious until properly validated and sanitized.