CVE-2018-7203 in Twonky Server
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Twonky Server 7.0.11 through 8.5 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the friendlyname parameter to rpc/set_all.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-7203 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within Twonky Server versions 7.0.11 through 8.5. This security weakness resides in the rpc/set_all endpoint where the friendlyname parameter is improperly validated and sanitized, creating an avenue for remote attackers to execute malicious web scripts or HTML code within the context of affected user sessions. The vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-79 which specifically addresses improper neutralization of input during web output, making it a classic XSS vulnerability that can be exploited across various web applications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious payload containing script code and submits it through the friendlyname parameter in the rpc/set_all API endpoint. When the server processes this input without adequate sanitization, the malicious code gets stored and subsequently executed in the browser of any user who views the affected content or interacts with the vulnerable system. This type of vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be particularly dangerous in environments where the Twonky Server serves as a media server for home or enterprise networks, as it allows attackers to potentially steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-7203 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including session hijacking, data theft, and privilege escalation within the affected network environment. In enterprise settings where Twonky Server might be used for media distribution, this vulnerability could allow unauthorized individuals to gain unauthorized access to media libraries, potentially compromising sensitive content. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication to exploit, making it accessible to anyone who can reach the vulnerable server, and the exploitation can be automated through various web-based attack frameworks.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigations including input validation and output encoding for all user-supplied data, particularly parameters passed to API endpoints. The recommended approach involves implementing strict sanitization of the friendlyname parameter and other similar inputs to prevent script execution. Additionally, implementing content security policies and using web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection against such attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 which covers exploitation of web applications through cross-site scripting vulnerabilities. System administrators should also consider implementing network segmentation to limit exposure of vulnerable systems and ensure that all Twonky Server installations are updated to versions that have addressed this specific vulnerability through proper code patches and security updates.