CVE-2018-5705 in Image Hosting
Summary
by MITRE
Reservo Image Hosting 1.6 is vulnerable to XSS attacks. The affected function is its search engine (the t parameter to the /search 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.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5705 affects Reservo Image Hosting version 1.6 and represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw that undermines the security of the application's search functionality. This vulnerability specifically manifests within the search engine component where the 't' parameter in the /search URI endpoint fails to properly sanitize user input, creating an exploitable vector for malicious code injection. The flaw exists at the application layer where unvalidated input is directly reflected back to users without appropriate output encoding or validation mechanisms, making it susceptible to various forms of XSS attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices within the application's search processing logic. When users submit search queries through the 't' parameter, the system does not adequately filter or encode the input before rendering it in the response, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of other users' browsers. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in software applications. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code within the browser context of legitimate users who interact with the maliciously crafted URLs.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it creates opportunities for session hijacking and privilege escalation attacks. Since the application includes user and administrator login interfaces, successful exploitation can enable attackers to steal active session cookies and gain unauthorized access to user accounts, including administrative privileges. This session theft capability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1548.001 which describes the use of legitimate credentials to access systems. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it can be delivered through social engineering tactics where attackers craft infected URLs and distribute them to victims, who unknowingly execute the malicious code upon visiting the compromised links.
The implications of this vulnerability are severe for organizations using Reservo Image Hosting 1.6 as it creates a persistent threat that can compromise user data and system integrity. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform session riding attacks, where stolen session tokens are used to impersonate legitimate users and access restricted resources. Additionally, the vulnerability could enable more sophisticated attacks such as credential theft, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within the network if the compromised accounts have elevated privileges. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by attackers without prior access to the system. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, output encoding, and proper parameter sanitization to address this vulnerability and prevent unauthorized access to their systems.