CVE-2018-20121 in Podcast Generator
Summary
by MITRE
Podcast Generator 2.7 has stored cross-site scripting (XSS) via the URL addcategory parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-20121 affects Podcast Generator version 2.7 and represents a stored cross-site scripting flaw that occurs through the URL addcategory parameter. This issue allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into the application's database through a carefully crafted URL parameter, which then gets executed whenever the affected page is accessed by other users. The vulnerability resides in how the application processes and stores user input without proper sanitization or validation mechanisms, creating a persistent security risk that can affect multiple users within the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows the CWE-079 pattern for cross-site scripting, specifically categorized as a stored XSS attack where malicious code is permanently stored on the server and executed when victims access the affected content. The addcategory parameter serves as the attack vector where an attacker can inject script code that gets saved in the database and subsequently rendered in the user interface. This type of vulnerability typically occurs when applications fail to properly escape or encode user-supplied data before storing it in the database or rendering it in web pages. The flaw demonstrates a critical failure in input validation and output encoding practices that violates fundamental web application security principles.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, data exfiltration, and redirection to malicious sites. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can potentially gain unauthorized access to user accounts, modify podcast content, or even compromise the entire application server if proper security measures are not in place. The stored nature of this vulnerability means that the malicious code remains persistent and can affect any user who accesses the affected functionality, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments. This vulnerability can also serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks, as it allows attackers to establish a foothold within the application that can be leveraged for further exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-20121 should focus on implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application. The most effective approach involves sanitizing all user inputs, particularly those that are stored in the database, by removing or encoding potentially dangerous characters and script tags. Additionally, developers should implement proper parameter validation for the addcategory parameter and ensure that all stored data is properly escaped before being rendered in web pages. The application should also implement Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution and prevent unauthorized code injection. Regular security testing including automated scanning and manual penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities, and the system should be updated to the latest version of Podcast Generator where this vulnerability has been patched. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566.001 for spearphishing via social media, demonstrating how initial access through XSS can lead to broader compromise of affected systems.