CVE-2018-5479 in ImgHosting
Summary
by MITRE
FoxSash ImgHosting 1.5 (according to footer information) is vulnerable to XSS attacks. The affected function is its search engine via the search parameter to the default URI. Since there is an user/admin login interface, it's possible for attackers to steal sessions of users and thus admin(s). By sending users an infected URL, code will be executed.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/29/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5479 affects FoxSash ImgHosting version 1.5, a web-based image hosting application that suffers from cross-site scripting flaws in its search functionality. This vulnerability exists within the application's default URI handling mechanism where the search parameter is processed without adequate input sanitization or output encoding. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into the application's response, which then executes in the context of other users' browsers when they access the compromised search results.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper validation and sanitization of user-supplied input within the search functionality. When users submit search queries through the application's interface, the parameters are directly incorporated into the HTTP response without proper HTML encoding or context-appropriate sanitization. This creates an environment where attackers can craft malicious URLs containing script payloads that will execute in the browsers of unsuspecting users who click on the infected links. The vulnerability specifically targets the search parameter handling mechanism, making it accessible through the default URI structure of the application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it enables session hijacking and privilege escalation attacks. Since the application includes both user and administrator login interfaces, successful exploitation allows attackers to steal active session cookies from authenticated users, potentially gaining administrative access to the system. This represents a critical security risk because it transforms a simple cross-site scripting flaw into a potential full system compromise. Attackers can craft malicious URLs that, when clicked by users, execute scripts that steal session tokens and redirect them to attacker-controlled servers, effectively impersonating legitimate users.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 Cross-site Scripting and follows patterns commonly associated with the attack technique T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript within the MITRE ATT&CK framework. The exploitation chain typically involves crafting malicious payloads that leverage the application's search functionality to deliver JavaScript code that can harvest session information, redirect users, or perform other malicious activities. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly minor input validation flaws can lead to significant security implications when combined with authentication mechanisms and session management weaknesses.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-5479 should focus on implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application. All user-supplied input must be sanitized using context-appropriate encoding methods before being incorporated into web responses, with HTML encoding being essential for preventing script execution in web contexts. The application should implement Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution capabilities and employ proper session management practices including secure cookie attributes and regular session token rotation. Additionally, regular security code reviews and input validation testing should be conducted to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future versions of the application.