CVE-2018-19902 in No-CMS
Summary
by MITRE
No-CMS 1.1.3 is prone to Persistent XSS via the blog/manage_article "keyword" parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/25/2020
The vulnerability CVE-2018-19902 affects No-CMS version 1.1.3 and represents a persistent cross-site scripting flaw that occurs within the blog/manage_article functionality. This issue allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into the keyword parameter, which then gets stored and executed whenever the affected page is accessed by other users. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the content management system's administrative interface. When administrators or users view articles with maliciously crafted keywords, the embedded scripts execute in their browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or further exploitation of the compromised systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws where input data is not properly sanitized before being rendered to web browsers. The persistent nature of this XSS vulnerability means that the malicious payload remains active even after the initial injection, making it particularly dangerous as it can affect multiple users over extended periods. The vulnerability exists because the application fails to adequately escape special characters in the keyword parameter, allowing attackers to inject HTML and JavaScript code that persists in the database and executes on subsequent page loads. This flaw demonstrates poor secure coding practices and inadequate sanitization of user-supplied data within the application's backend processing logic.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-19902 extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold within the compromised system. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to steal administrative credentials, modify content, redirect users to malicious sites, or establish backdoors for continued access. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the content management system, potentially allowing unauthorized modification of published articles and undermining user trust in the platform's security. Additionally, the persistent nature means that the attack surface remains active until the vulnerability is patched, providing attackers with sustained access to the system. The exploitation of this vulnerability could also facilitate lateral movement within network environments if the compromised CMS is connected to other systems or databases.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-19902 should focus on implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application's codebase. The most effective immediate solution involves updating to a patched version of No-CMS that addresses this specific vulnerability. Organizations should also implement proper parameter validation for all user-supplied inputs, particularly those used in administrative interfaces where persistent storage occurs. Input sanitization should include escaping special characters and implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. The implementation of web application firewalls and security monitoring tools can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Additionally, security training for developers should emphasize secure coding practices to prevent similar issues in future application development cycles, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script injection attacks that leverage XSS vulnerabilities.