CVE-2018-8071 in Mautic
Summary
by MITRE
Mautic before v2.13.0 has stored XSS via a theme config file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/28/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2018-8071 represents a stored cross-site scripting flaw in Mautic versions prior to 2.13.0, specifically within the theme configuration file handling mechanism. This issue arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization when processing theme configuration data, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts that persist in the application's database. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of Mautic's theme management system, where user-supplied configuration values are stored without proper sanitization, creating a persistent vector for malicious code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly escape or filter user-controllable parameters within theme configuration files. When administrators or users modify theme settings through the web interface, the system stores these configuration values directly into the database without adequate security measures to prevent script injection. This stored data is then rendered in subsequent page requests without proper output encoding, enabling the execution of malicious JavaScript code in the context of authenticated users' browsers. The flaw operates under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities through improper neutralization of input during web page generation.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-8071 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, data theft, and privilege escalation within the Mautic environment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain access to sensitive campaign data, user information, and potentially escalate privileges to administrator level. The stored nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious code persists even after the initial injection, making it particularly dangerous as it can affect multiple users over extended periods. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1531 which focuses on establishing persistence through modifications to web applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-8071 primarily involve upgrading to Mautic version 2.13.0 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization measures for theme configuration data. Organizations should also implement additional security controls such as regular security audits of configuration files, input validation at multiple layers, and output encoding for all user-controllable data. Network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential impact of exploitation, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect unusual activity patterns that might indicate successful exploitation attempts. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive testing to ensure that all theme configuration parameters are properly sanitized and that no other similar vulnerabilities exist within the application's configuration handling mechanisms.