CVE-2018-20140 in ZenPhoto
Summary
by MITRE
Zenphoto 1.4.14 has multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities via different URL parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-20140 represents a critical cross-site scripting issue affecting Zenphoto version 1.4.14, a popular open-source content management system designed for photo galleries and web publishing. This vulnerability manifests through multiple attack vectors, each exploiting different URL parameters that fail to properly sanitize user input before processing. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or unauthorized actions within the application context.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the Zenphoto application framework. When user-supplied parameters are directly incorporated into dynamic web page content without proper sanitization, attackers can craft malicious URLs containing script payloads that execute in the victim's browser. The vulnerability affects multiple URL parameters, indicating a systemic issue in how the application handles user input across different functional modules. This widespread nature suggests the problem originates from core input processing functions rather than isolated components, making the attack surface particularly expansive.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to Zenphoto installations, as it enables attackers to exploit the system without requiring authentication or privileged access. The impact extends beyond simple data theft to potentially allow full compromise of user sessions and administrative functions. Attackers could leverage these XSS vulnerabilities to inject malicious JavaScript that redirects users to phishing sites, steals cookies and session tokens, or modifies gallery content. The vulnerability's presence in a content management system makes it particularly dangerous as it can affect not only the gallery owner but also all visitors to the site who may unknowingly execute malicious code.
Security practitioners should recognize this vulnerability as aligning with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a technique for code injection, specifically targeting the web application layer where user input is improperly handled. Organizations utilizing Zenphoto 1.4.14 must prioritize immediate remediation through patching, as the vulnerability provides attackers with a straightforward path to compromise system integrity and user data. The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to a patched version of Zenphoto, implementing proper input validation at all entry points, and deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify any other potential XSS vulnerabilities within their web applications and implement robust output encoding mechanisms to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future.