CVE-2018-19170 in JPress
Summary
by MITRE
In JPress v1.0-rc.5, there is stored XSS via each of the first three input fields to the starter-tomcat-1.0/admin/setting URI, as demonstrated by the web_name parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/05/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-19170 represents a critical stored cross-site scripting flaw within JPress version 1.0-rc.5, specifically affecting the administrative settings interface. This vulnerability resides in the starter-tomcat-1.0/admin/setting URI where multiple input fields fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before storing and rendering it within the application's web interface. The web_name parameter serves as one of the primary attack vectors, allowing malicious actors to inject malicious scripts that persist in the application's database and execute whenever the affected page is accessed by legitimate users.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the JPress administrative framework. When administrators or users submit data through the first three input fields of the settings endpoint, the application fails to implement proper sanitization routines that would neutralize potentially harmful script content. This allows attackers to embed malicious javascript payloads within the web_name parameter or other vulnerable fields, which are then stored in the database and subsequently executed in the context of other users' browsers when the settings page is rendered. The persistence of this vulnerability makes it particularly dangerous as the malicious code remains active until manually removed from the database.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-19170 extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to hijack user sessions, steal sensitive administrative credentials, and potentially escalate privileges within the application. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-79 which defines cross-site scripting flaws as the improper handling of untrusted data within web applications. The attack surface is further expanded through the ATT&CK framework's T1059.007 technique for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers can leverage the stored XSS to execute malicious code in the victim's browser context. Additionally, the vulnerability enables potential lateral movement within the application's administrative environment, as successful exploitation could lead to full administrative control over the JPress installation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of comprehensive input sanitization and output encoding measures across all user-facing administrative input fields. Organizations should implement proper parameter validation that strips or encodes potentially dangerous characters before data storage, while also ensuring that all stored content is properly escaped when rendered in web contexts. The recommended approach includes deploying Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution, implementing proper input validation using allowlists of permitted characters, and conducting regular security audits of all administrative interfaces. Additionally, organizations should establish a robust patch management process to ensure timely updates to the JPress application and consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious input attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining proper data sanitization practices in web applications, particularly within administrative interfaces where the potential for privilege escalation exists.