CVE-2018-18673 in GNUBOARD5
Summary
by MITRE
GNUBOARD5 5.3.1.9 has XSS that allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the "Menu Link" parameter, aka the adm/menu_list_update.php me_link parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/19/2024
GNUBOARD5 version 5.3.1.9 contains a cross-site scripting vulnerability that arises from inadequate input validation in the administrative menu management functionality. The vulnerability specifically affects the adm/menu_list_update.php script where the me_link parameter is processed without proper sanitization, allowing remote attackers to inject malicious web scripts or HTML content. This flaw exists within the content management system's administrative interface, where menu links are configured and managed by authorized users with administrative privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly filter or escape user-supplied input before storing and rendering it within the web interface. When administrators modify menu links through the administrative panel, the me_link parameter is directly processed without validation against known malicious patterns or proper HTML escaping mechanisms. This creates a persistent XSS vector that can be exploited by attackers who gain access to administrative accounts or can manipulate the administrative workflow through other means. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and represents a classic case of improper input validation in web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of any user's browser who visits the affected menu links, potentially compromising user sessions and accessing sensitive administrative data. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it affects the administrative interface where privileged users maintain system configuration, making it a high-value target for attackers seeking to escalate privileges or gain persistent access to the system. This vulnerability can be classified under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for scripting and T1566.001 for credential harvesting.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate implementation of input validation and output encoding measures within the application's administrative components. The system should enforce strict sanitization of all user inputs, particularly those used in dynamic content generation, and implement proper HTML escaping when rendering menu links. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads, along with regular security auditing of administrative interfaces. Additionally, access controls should be strengthened through multi-factor authentication for administrative accounts, and regular security training should be provided to administrators to prevent social engineering attacks that could lead to credential compromise. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in web applications and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of administrative interfaces.