CVE-2018-6013 in BigTree
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) in BigTree 4.2.19 allows any remote users to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the directory parameter. This issue exists in core/admin/ajax/developer/extensions/file-browser.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/02/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-6013 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in BigTree CMS version 4.2.19 that exposes remote attackers to potential code injection risks. This security weakness resides within the file-browser.php component located in the core/admin/ajax/developer/extensions directory structure, making it accessible through the web application's administrative interface. The vulnerability specifically targets the directory parameter which fails to properly sanitize user input, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors to execute arbitrary scripts within the context of other users' browsers.
The technical implementation of this flaw stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the affected PHP script. When the directory parameter is processed without adequate sanitization, attackers can inject malicious JavaScript code or HTML content that gets executed in the victim's browser session. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities where untrusted data is improperly incorporated into web pages without proper validation or encoding. The flaw represents a classic reflected XSS attack vector that allows attackers to bypass standard security measures and execute malicious code within the victim's browser context.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations utilizing BigTree CMS 4.2.19 as it enables remote code execution capabilities that could lead to session hijacking, data theft, or further exploitation of the web application. Attackers could leverage this weakness to steal administrator credentials, modify content, or redirect users to malicious websites. The impact extends beyond simple script injection as it provides a potential foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the application environment. The vulnerability's accessibility through the administrative AJAX endpoint makes it particularly dangerous as it could be exploited by attackers without requiring authentication to the system's administrative functions.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to initial access and execution phases. Attackers could use this XSS flaw to establish persistent access through malicious script injection, potentially leading to privilege escalation or lateral movement within the network. Organizations should consider implementing comprehensive input validation controls, output encoding mechanisms, and regular security assessments to address such vulnerabilities. The recommended mitigation strategies include immediate patching of the affected BigTree CMS version, implementing proper parameter validation, and deploying web application firewalls to detect and prevent malicious input attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security training for developers to prevent similar issues in custom applications and ensure proper sanitization of all user inputs before processing or rendering within web contexts.