CVE-2018-20448 in Frog
Summary
by MITRE
Frog CMS 0.9.5 has XSS via the Database name field to the /install/index.php URI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-20448 represents a cross-site scripting flaw discovered in Frog CMS version 0.9.5 during the database installation process. This issue specifically manifests when users interact with the database name field within the installation interface located at /install/index.php. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before rendering it within the web application's response. Attackers can exploit this weakness by injecting malicious javascript code into the database name field, which then gets executed in the context of other users' browsers who visit the vulnerable installation page.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which categorizes cross-site scripting flaws as weaknesses in web applications that allow attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. This particular implementation flaw occurs during the initial setup phase of the content management system, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited before the application is fully configured or secured. The vulnerability exists because the installation script does not properly sanitize the database name input before displaying it back to users, creating an environment where malicious payloads can be executed without proper context validation.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations deploying Frog CMS 0.9.5, as it can be exploited by attackers to perform session hijacking, deface the installation page, or redirect users to malicious websites. The attack surface is particularly concerning because the installation process typically occurs in environments where security measures may not yet be fully implemented, providing attackers with an opportunity to gain initial access or establish persistent footholds. Additionally, the vulnerability can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code in the browser context of authenticated users, potentially leading to complete compromise of the application's security posture.
The exploitation of this vulnerability can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script execution and T1566 for credential access through social engineering. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to a patched version of Frog CMS, applying proper input validation and output encoding to all user-supplied data, and ensuring that installation interfaces are properly secured. Security measures should include implementing content security policies, using proper HTML escaping for all dynamic content, and conducting regular security assessments of installation and configuration interfaces. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of sanitizing all user inputs, particularly in administrative and installation interfaces where attackers may have elevated privileges or opportunities for exploitation.