CVE-2018-9985 in MetInfo
Summary
by MITRE
The front page of MetInfo 6.0 allows XSS by sending a feedback message to an administrator.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/23/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9985 represents a cross-site scripting flaw within MetInfo 6.0 content management system that specifically affects the front page feedback functionality. This issue arises when administrators receive feedback messages through the website's public interface, creating a potential attack vector that could be exploited by malicious actors to execute arbitrary scripts within the administrator's browser session. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79 as a failure to sanitize user input, specifically affecting the web application's input validation mechanisms. This type of vulnerability falls within the ATT&CK framework's T1203 technique category, which encompasses techniques for gaining access to systems through exploitation of web application vulnerabilities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied data within the feedback submission process. When users submit feedback through the front page interface, the application fails to properly filter or encode the input before displaying it in the administrator's feedback management section. This allows attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code into the feedback message that executes when the administrator views the message. The flaw is particularly concerning because it leverages the trust relationship between the application and its administrator, enabling attackers to potentially escalate privileges or steal session cookies.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-9985 extends beyond simple script execution, as it creates opportunities for more sophisticated attacks including session hijacking, credential theft, and potential lateral movement within the affected network. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain unauthorized access to the administrator's session, potentially allowing them to modify website content, add malicious users, or extract sensitive data from the system. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical skill and can be automated, making it particularly dangerous in environments where administrators frequently check feedback messages. This weakness directly impacts the application's integrity and confidentiality, as it allows unauthorized modification of the feedback handling process and potential data exfiltration.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate implementation of proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent malicious scripts from executing. Organizations should ensure that all user-supplied data is properly sanitized before being displayed in administrative interfaces, implementing context-specific encoding for different output contexts such as HTML, JavaScript, and URL contexts. The recommended approach involves applying the principle of least privilege to administrative interfaces and implementing Content Security Policy headers to prevent execution of unauthorized scripts. Additionally, regular security assessments and input validation testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application. This vulnerability highlights the importance of comprehensive security testing throughout the software development lifecycle and demonstrates how seemingly minor input handling flaws can create significant security risks.