CVE-2018-7547 in lyadmin
Summary
by MITRE
lyadmin 1.x has XSS via the config[WEB_SITE_TITLE] parameter to the /admin.php?s=/admin/config/groupsave.html URI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/09/2020
The vulnerability CVE-2018-7547 affects lyadmin version 1.x and represents a cross-site scripting flaw that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web applications. This vulnerability specifically targets the config[WEB_SITE_TITLE] parameter within the /admin.php?s=/admin/config/groupsave.html URI endpoint. The flaw exists in the web application's input validation mechanisms where user-supplied data is not properly sanitized before being rendered back to users. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which categorizes cross-site scripting as a critical web application security weakness that enables attackers to execute scripts in the context of other users' browsers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's failure to properly escape or filter special characters in the WEB_SITE_TITLE configuration parameter. When administrators or users interact with the admin panel and submit data through the groupsave.html endpoint, the application stores this input without adequate sanitization. The stored data is then later displayed in the web interface without proper HTML escaping, creating an environment where malicious scripts can execute when other users view the affected pages. This vulnerability demonstrates a classic improper input validation issue that allows attackers to inject JavaScript code that executes in the victim's browser context, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further exploitation of the compromised user's privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides attackers with a potential entry point for more sophisticated attacks within the web application environment. An attacker who can successfully exploit this XSS vulnerability can execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of authenticated admin sessions, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects the application's configuration management functionality, which is typically a critical administrative component. Attackers could leverage this flaw to modify website titles, inject malicious scripts that redirect users to phishing sites, steal administrative credentials, or manipulate the application's configuration settings. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which covers scripting languages and T1566.001 which involves social engineering through spearphishing, as attackers could use this vulnerability to establish persistent access or conduct further reconnaissance.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application. The recommended approach involves sanitizing all user-supplied input through proper HTML escaping before rendering any content in the web interface. This includes implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution and using parameterized queries or input validation libraries to prevent malicious code injection. Organizations should also implement regular security testing including automated vulnerability scanning and manual penetration testing to identify similar input validation flaws. The fix should involve updating the application to properly sanitize the config[WEB_SITE_TITLE] parameter in the groupsave.html endpoint, ensuring that special characters are properly encoded when displayed in the web interface. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and security monitoring can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts of this and similar vulnerabilities.