CVE-2018-20645 in Basic B2B Script
Summary
by MITRE
PHP Scripts Mall Basic B2B Script 2.0.9 has HTML injection via the First Name or Last Name field.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-20645 affects PHP Scripts Mall Basic B2B Script version 2.0.9, representing a critical HTML injection flaw that compromises the integrity of user input handling within the application's registration and profile management systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the First Name and Last Name fields, which are commonly used for user identification and communication purposes within business-to-business platforms. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before it is processed or stored within the system's database.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious HTML code into the designated name fields, which can then be executed in the context of other users who view the affected data. When legitimate users browse profiles or contact information within the B2B platform, they may encounter the injected HTML content, potentially leading to cross-site scripting attacks that can steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or execute unauthorized actions on behalf of authenticated users. This type of injection vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, specifically targeting client-side code execution through unfiltered user input.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data corruption, as it creates potential vectors for more sophisticated attacks within the B2B environment. Attackers could exploit this flaw to inject JavaScript code that harvests user credentials, performs unauthorized transactions, or manipulates the application's user interface to deceive visitors into submitting sensitive information. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in B2B contexts where users may have elevated privileges or access to confidential business data, making the potential attack surface significantly larger than typical consumer applications.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in relation to the ATT&CK framework's T1531 technique for "Account Access Removal" and T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript", as the injected HTML content could potentially enable these attack vectors. The affected PHP application demonstrates poor input validation practices that violate secure coding principles, particularly those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten 2017 and the ISO/IEC 27001 security controls. Organizations using this script should immediately implement input sanitization measures, including HTML entity encoding, proper content security policies, and comprehensive output validation to prevent unauthorized code execution.
Mitigation strategies should include implementing strict input validation that rejects or sanitizes any HTML content within user profile fields, deploying web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious input patterns, and establishing regular security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. The fix should involve comprehensive sanitization of all user-provided data before storage, with particular attention to the specific fields mentioned in the vulnerability description. Organizations should also consider implementing CSP headers to limit the execution of inline scripts and establish monitoring procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts. Regular updates to the application and adherence to secure coding standards are essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future versions of the software.