CVE-2018-18938 in WUZHI
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in WUZHI CMS 4.1.0. There is stored XSS in index.php?m=core&f=index via an ontoggle attribute to details/open/ within a second input field.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-18938 represents a stored cross-site scripting flaw within WUZHI CMS version 4.1.0, specifically manifesting in the core module's index.php file. This security weakness allows attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code into the application's database through a carefully crafted input field that processes the ontoggle attribute within details/open/ context. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter or escape user-supplied data before it is stored and subsequently rendered in the web interface.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits malicious content containing JavaScript code through the affected input field in the core module's interface. The ontoggle attribute, which is typically used for HTML5 details elements to control the opening and closing state of collapsible content sections, becomes a vector for XSS injection when the application fails to properly sanitize user input. This stored XSS vulnerability means that the malicious payload is permanently saved in the database and executed whenever the affected page is accessed by any user, including administrators, making it particularly dangerous for content management systems where privileged users frequently interact with user-generated content.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-18938 extends beyond simple script execution as it provides attackers with the capability to hijack user sessions, steal sensitive information, and potentially escalate privileges within the CMS environment. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which categorizes cross-site scripting flaws as weaknesses in input validation and output encoding. The attack surface is particularly concerning in CMS environments where administrators may inadvertently view malicious content through the application's interface, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including social engineering to convince users to interact with malicious content, or through automated scanning tools that identify the vulnerable parameter structure.
Mitigation strategies for this stored XSS vulnerability should include immediate implementation of proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application's codebase. The WUZHI CMS developers should enforce strict sanitization of all user inputs, particularly those related to HTML attributes like ontoggle, and implement Content Security Policy headers to limit the execution of unauthorized scripts. Additionally, the application should employ proper escaping mechanisms when rendering user-supplied content, ensuring that any HTML attributes are properly encoded to prevent script execution. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 which covers exploitation of web application vulnerabilities for privilege escalation and data theft. Organizations using WUZHI CMS 4.1.0 should urgently apply patches or implement compensating controls to prevent exploitation of this stored XSS vulnerability that could lead to full system compromise through session hijacking and privilege escalation attacks.