CVE-2018-6878 in Hot Scripts Clone Script Classified
Summary
by MITRE
Cross Site Scripting (XSS) exists in the review section in PHP Scripts Mall Hot Scripts Clone Script Classified 3.1 via the title or description field.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/14/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-6878 represents a classic cross site scripting flaw within the PHP Scripts Mall Hot Scripts Clone Script Classified 3.1 web application. This security weakness manifests specifically in the review section functionality where user input is improperly sanitized before being rendered back to other users. The vulnerability affects both the title and description fields, creating an attack surface where malicious actors can inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of other users' browsers. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding practices within the application's data handling mechanisms.
This XSS vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which categorizes improper neutralization of input during web page generation as a critical web application security weakness. The vulnerability operates by allowing attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code through the review submission process, which then executes when other users view the affected content. The attack vector leverages the application's failure to properly escape or sanitize user-provided data before displaying it in HTML contexts, creating a persistent threat that can affect any user who encounters the malicious content within the review section.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and redirection to malicious websites. Attackers can craft payloads that steal cookies, modify page content, or redirect users to phishing sites that appear legitimate. The vulnerability affects the application's integrity and user trust, potentially leading to data breaches, unauthorized access to user accounts, and compromise of the entire application ecosystem. The persistent nature of XSS attacks means that once a malicious script is injected, it can affect all users who view the compromised content until the vulnerability is patched.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-6878 should focus on implementing robust input validation and output encoding practices throughout the application. The primary defense mechanism involves sanitizing all user input through proper HTML escaping before rendering content in web pages, which aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 that emphasizes input validation and sanitization as key defensive measures. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policy headers, using secure coding practices, and regularly updating the application to address known vulnerabilities can significantly reduce the attack surface. Organizations should also consider implementing proper access controls and monitoring user-generated content to detect and prevent malicious submissions before they impact other users. The remediation process should include thorough code review, input validation implementation, and comprehensive testing to ensure that all user-provided data is properly sanitized before being processed or displayed within the application interface.