CVE-2018-5963 in CMS Made Simple
Summary
by MITRE
CMS Made Simple (CMSMS) 2.2.5 has XSS in admin/addbookmark.php via the title parameter.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/02/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5963 affects CMS Made Simple version 2.2.5 and represents a cross-site scripting flaw located within the admin/addbookmark.php component. This issue specifically manifests when processing the title parameter, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts into the application's administrative interface. The vulnerability resides in the application's failure to properly sanitize user input before rendering it within the web page context, creating a persistent security risk for administrators who interact with the affected system.
This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, specifically representing a stored XSS variant where malicious code can be permanently embedded within the application's database or configuration files. The flaw enables attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of the administrator's browser session, potentially leading to complete compromise of the administrative interface. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it targets the administrative component of the CMS, which typically possesses elevated privileges and access to sensitive system functions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to hijack administrator sessions, steal sensitive credentials, modify content, or even escalate privileges within the CMS environment. When an administrator visits the affected page or interacts with bookmarked content, the malicious script executes automatically, potentially leading to data exfiltration or further exploitation of the compromised system. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire CMS installation since administrative access typically provides broad control over website content and configuration settings.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-5963 should focus on immediate patching of the CMSMS application to version 2.2.6 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the XSS vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms can help prevent similar issues in the future. Security measures should include regular security audits of web applications, implementation of Content Security Policies, and ensuring that all user inputs are properly sanitized before being processed or displayed. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and following secure coding practices to prevent persistent security flaws that can be exploited by malicious actors.