CVE-2018-19465 in MacCMS
Summary
by MITRE
Maccms through 8.0 allows XSS via the site_keywords field to index.php?m=system-config because of tpl/module/system.php and tpl/html/system_config.html, related to template/paody/html/vod_index.html.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/28/2023
This vulnerability exists in Maccms version 8.0 and earlier where cross-site scripting attacks can be executed through the site_keywords field in the system configuration module. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization mechanisms within the template processing system, specifically in the tpl/module/system.php and tpl/html/system_config.html files. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into the site_keywords field which then gets rendered in the index.php?m=system-config page, creating a persistent XSS vector that can affect all users accessing the vulnerable system configuration interface.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of user-supplied data within the template rendering engine. When administrators or users input data into the site_keywords field, the system fails to properly sanitize this input before it is processed through the template files. The tpl/module/system.php file processes the configuration data, while tpl/html/system_config.html renders the interface, creating a chain where malicious payloads can be stored and subsequently executed in the context of other users' browsers. The template/paody/html/vod_index.html file serves as an additional attack vector that can be leveraged to extend the scope of the vulnerability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides attackers with a means to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of authenticated users' browsers. This could enable session hijacking, credential theft, defacement of the content management system, or redirection to malicious sites. The vulnerability affects the system configuration interface, which is typically accessed by administrators, making it particularly dangerous as it could allow attackers to escalate privileges or gain deeper access to the system. The persistent nature of the XSS vulnerability means that once the malicious payload is stored, it will execute every time the affected page is loaded, creating a long-term threat vector.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application's template processing pipeline. The system should employ strict sanitization of all user inputs before they are stored or rendered, particularly in fields that are used within template contexts. Organizations should implement Content Security Policy headers to limit the execution of unauthorized scripts, and ensure that the template rendering engine properly escapes all dynamic content. Additionally, regular security audits of template files and input handling mechanisms should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which describes cross-site scripting flaws, and could be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script execution through web applications. The remediation efforts should follow secure coding practices and ensure that all user-supplied data is properly validated and escaped according to industry standards for web application security.