CVE-2019-14272 in asset-admin
Summary
by MITRE
In SilverStripe asset-admin 4.0, there is XSS in file titles managed through the CMS.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/10/2020
The vulnerability CVE-2019-14272 represents a cross-site scripting flaw discovered in SilverStripe asset-admin version 4.0, specifically affecting the handling of file titles within the content management system interface. This issue arises from insufficient input validation and output sanitization mechanisms when processing user-supplied data in file metadata fields. The vulnerability exists within the asset administration module that allows content editors to manage media files, where file titles are directly rendered in the user interface without proper security measures to prevent malicious script execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly escape or filter special characters in file title fields. When administrators or content creators input titles containing malicious scripts, these inputs are stored in the database and subsequently rendered in the CMS interface without appropriate sanitization. This creates an environment where attackers can inject javascript code or other malicious payloads that execute in the context of other users' browsers who view the affected file listings. The vulnerability is classified as a classic XSS flaw that operates through the DOM manipulation pathway, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code in victims' browsers.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-14272 extends beyond simple data corruption or display issues, as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive administrative functions. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions within the CMS, or redirect users to malicious websites. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges to exploit, as any user with access to the asset management interface can potentially inject malicious content. This vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege and can lead to privilege escalation scenarios when combined with other security weaknesses in the SilverStripe platform. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in software applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-14272 should prioritize immediate patching of the SilverStripe asset-admin module to version 4.1.1 or later, which includes proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive input sanitization at multiple layers including client-side validation, server-side filtering, and proper HTML escaping before rendering any user-supplied content. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide an additional defense-in-depth measure to prevent script execution in the CMS interface. Security teams should also conduct regular security assessments of CMS components and establish strict content validation policies for all user-generated data within administrative interfaces. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and implementing robust security controls in content management systems, as outlined in various ATT&CK framework techniques related to credential access and privilege escalation through web application vulnerabilities.