CVE-2018-9016 in dsmall
Summary
by MITRE
dsmall v20180320 allows XSS via the main page search box at the public/index.php/home URI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/16/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9016 affects the dsmall v20180320 web application, specifically targeting the search functionality within the public/index.php/home URI. This represents a classic cross-site scripting vulnerability that exploits the application's failure to properly sanitize user input before rendering it in web responses. The flaw exists in the application's input validation mechanisms, allowing malicious actors to inject malicious scripts into the search box that execute in the context of other users' browsers. This vulnerability demonstrates poor secure coding practices and inadequate data sanitization controls that are fundamental to preventing client-side attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's improper handling of user-supplied data within the search functionality. When users submit search queries through the main page search box, the application fails to implement adequate input sanitization or output encoding mechanisms. The search parameters are directly incorporated into the web response without proper validation or escaping, creating an environment where malicious scripts can be executed. This flaw aligns with CWE-79 which defines Cross-Site Scripting as the failure to properly neutralize user input data when it is incorporated into web pages served to other users. The vulnerability specifically impacts the application's security posture by allowing attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the victim's browser context.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-9016 extends beyond simple script execution, as it enables attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, data exfiltration, and redirection to malicious sites. An attacker could craft a search query containing malicious JavaScript that would execute whenever other users view the search results page. This vulnerability could be leveraged to steal session cookies, redirect users to phishing sites, or inject additional malicious content into the application. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires minimal technical expertise to exploit, making it a high-risk vulnerability that could be easily weaponized. The vulnerability also violates fundamental security principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, specifically addressing the risk of injection flaws that can compromise application security.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-9016 must focus on implementing robust input validation and output encoding mechanisms. The application should sanitize all user input through proper escaping techniques before rendering any content in web responses, particularly for HTML, JavaScript, and URL contexts. Implementing Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection against script execution. The fix should involve comprehensive input validation that filters out or escapes potentially dangerous characters and patterns. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Regular security testing including dynamic application security testing and manual penetration testing can help identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. The remediation process should follow established security frameworks such as those recommended by NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001, ensuring that the fix addresses both the immediate vulnerability and prevents similar issues in related functionality.