CVE-2018-20774 in Frog
Summary
by MITRE
Frog CMS 0.9.5 has XSS via the admin/?/layout/edit/1 Body field.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/09/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2018-20774 represents a cross-site scripting flaw discovered in Frog CMS version 0.9.5 within the administrative interface. This issue specifically affects the Body field of the layout editing functionality, creating a persistent security risk that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into the content management system's administrative environment. The vulnerability exists in the way the application processes and renders user input without adequate sanitization or output encoding, making it susceptible to exploitation by malicious actors who gain access to the administrative interface or can influence content creation within the system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the Body field in the admin/?/layout/edit/1 endpoint, where user-supplied content is directly rendered without proper validation or sanitization. When an administrator or authenticated user views the edited content, the malicious script code gets executed within their browser context, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or further compromise of the administrative environment. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through spearphishing attachments or links, particularly when the malicious payload is embedded in content management system interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for more extensive compromise within the CMS environment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could manipulate the layout content to redirect users to malicious sites, steal administrative sessions, or inject additional malicious content that propagates to other users. The persistent nature of the vulnerability means that once exploited, the malicious script continues to execute whenever the affected page is loaded, potentially affecting multiple users over time. The risk is amplified because the vulnerability exists in the administrative interface, which typically has elevated privileges and access to sensitive system functions, making it particularly dangerous for organizations relying on Frog CMS for content management.
Organizations should immediately implement multiple layers of mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to a patched version of Frog CMS that properly sanitizes user input and implements proper output encoding for all administrative fields. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policy headers can provide an additional defense layer by restricting script execution within the administrative interface. Input validation should be enforced at both client and server levels, with proper sanitization of all user-supplied content before storage or rendering. Network segmentation and privileged access controls should be implemented to limit the potential damage if the vulnerability is exploited, ensuring that administrative functions are not accessible from untrusted network segments. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities within the CMS and its associated components, following industry best practices outlined in standards such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 for secure configuration management and vulnerability remediation processes.