CVE-2019-10105 in CMS Made Simple
Summary
by MITRE
CMS Made Simple 2.2.10 has a Self-XSS vulnerability via the Layout Design Manager "Name" field, which is reachable via a "Create a new Template" action to the Design Manager.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/08/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-10105 affects CMS Made Simple version 2.2.10 and represents a self-cross-site scripting flaw within the Layout Design Manager component. This issue arises when users attempt to create new templates through the design manager interface, specifically targeting the "Name" field input mechanism. The vulnerability stems from insufficient output escaping and validation of user-supplied data within the template creation workflow, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject persistent script code into the application's template management system. This self-XSS vulnerability allows attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of other users who view the affected template names, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further exploitation of the compromised user accounts.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper sanitization of template names entered through the Design Manager interface. When users create new templates, the system fails to adequately escape or validate the "Name" field input before storing and displaying it within the template management interface. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within the administrative context of the CMS, where users typically possess elevated privileges and access to sensitive system configurations. The flaw aligns with CWE-79 which categorizes cross-site scripting vulnerabilities, specifically addressing the failure to sanitize user input in contexts where output is rendered without proper escaping mechanisms. The vulnerability enables attackers to craft malicious template names containing script payloads that execute when other administrators or users view the template listings, effectively creating a persistent XSS vector within the CMS's own management interface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can facilitate more sophisticated attacks within the CMS environment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can potentially steal administrative sessions, modify template configurations, or gain unauthorized access to sensitive content management functions. The self-XSS nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious payload is stored within the application itself and can affect multiple users who encounter the compromised template names. This creates a persistent threat vector that remains active until the vulnerable template is removed or the CMS is updated. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 which covers command and scripting interpreter execution, as the stored scripts can be executed by unsuspecting users who interact with the affected template management interface. The attack surface is particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where administrators frequently interact with template management features.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-10105 should focus on immediate patching of the CMS Made Simple application to version 2.2.11 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the template name validation and output escaping mechanisms. Organizations should implement input validation controls that sanitize all user-supplied data in the template creation workflow, particularly focusing on the "Name" field within the Layout Design Manager. The solution must include proper HTML escaping of template names before storage and display, ensuring that any potentially malicious script content is neutralized. Security teams should conduct thorough audits of template management interfaces across all CMS instances to identify similar vulnerabilities in other input fields. Additionally, implementing content security policies and regular security scanning of the application's user interface components can help prevent similar issues from emerging in future versions. The remediation process should also include user education regarding the risks of template management and the importance of validating template names before deployment. Organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls to provide additional protection layers and monitoring for suspicious template creation activities within their CMS environments.