CVE-2018-9307 in dsmall
Summary
by MITRE
dsmall v20180320 allows XSS via the pdr_sn parameter to public/index.php/home/predeposit/index.html.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/22/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9307 represents a cross-site scripting flaw within the dsmall v20180320 web application framework. This issue specifically affects the public/index.php/home/predeposit/index.html endpoint where the pdr_sn parameter fails to properly sanitize user input, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into the application's response. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding practices that permit malicious payloads to execute within the context of legitimate user sessions.
This cross-site scripting vulnerability operates under CWE-79 which categorizes it as a classic input validation flaw where web applications fail to properly encode output data before rendering it to users. The attack vector specifically targets the pdr_sn parameter which is likely used to process or display transaction identifiers or serial numbers within the pre-deposit functionality of the application. When an attacker crafts a malicious payload and injects it through this parameter, the application processes and displays the malicious code without proper sanitization, allowing it to execute in the victim's browser context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or session hijacking. An attacker could leverage this flaw to perform actions such as stealing user cookies, redirecting victims to malicious sites, defacing the application interface, or even executing more sophisticated attacks like credential harvesting or privilege escalation within the application's scope. The vulnerability affects all users who interact with the pre-deposit functionality, potentially compromising the entire user base that accesses this particular module. The risk is particularly elevated if the application handles sensitive financial data or user authentication information through the affected endpoint.
Security practitioners should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability. The primary remediation involves implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms for all parameters passed to the application, specifically ensuring that the pdr_sn parameter undergoes strict sanitization before being processed or displayed. This approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which focuses on command and scripting interpreter usage, as the vulnerability enables attackers to execute malicious scripts through the web interface. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policy headers, using parameterized queries, and conducting regular input validation testing can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious parameter values that could indicate XSS attack attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices and maintaining comprehensive input validation across all application interfaces to prevent such persistent threats that can compromise user data and application integrity.