CVE-2018-9992 in Frog
Summary
by MITRE
Frog CMS 0.9.5 has XSS via the name field of a new "File" or "Directory" on the admin/?/plugin/file_manager/browse/ screen.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/24/2020
The vulnerability CVE-2018-9992 represents a cross-site scripting flaw discovered in Frog CMS version 0.9.5 that specifically targets the file manager plugin functionality. This issue manifests when users interact with the admin interface to create new files or directories through the plugin/file_manager/browse/ screen. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization mechanisms within the application's handling of user-provided data in the name field parameter.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input containing script tags or other malicious code within the name field during file or directory creation operations. When the vulnerable application displays this unvalidated input back to users through the web interface, the embedded scripts execute in the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further exploitation. This particular weakness aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities resulting from insufficient input validation and output encoding.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it can enable attackers to perform persistent XSS attacks against authenticated users with administrative privileges. An attacker could potentially steal session cookies, modify file permissions, or even upload malicious files through the compromised interface. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in the context of content management systems where administrators frequently interact with file management interfaces, making it a prime target for privilege escalation attacks.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of implementing proper input sanitization and output encoding throughout all user-facing application interfaces. The flaw specifically affects the file manager plugin component which is commonly used for content management operations, making it a high-risk target for attackers seeking to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources. Organizations using Frog CMS 0.9.5 should prioritize immediate patching and implement additional security controls such as web application firewalls to mitigate potential exploitation attempts.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include applying the official patch released by Frog CMS developers, implementing strict input validation for all user-supplied data, and deploying proper output encoding mechanisms that prevent malicious scripts from executing in browser contexts. Additionally, implementing content security policies and regular security audits of web application interfaces can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components of the system. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1059.007 technique for script injection, emphasizing the need for comprehensive defense-in-depth strategies that address multiple layers of potential attack vectors.