CVE-2019-14315 in KCFinder
Summary
by MITRE
A cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in upload.php in SunHater KCFinder 3.20-test1, 3.20-test2, 3.12, and earlier allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the CKEditorFuncNum parameter.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/13/2023
The CVE-2019-14315 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the KCFinder file manager component, specifically affecting versions 3.20-test1, 3.20-test2, 3.12, and earlier releases. This vulnerability resides in the upload.php script and manifests through improper input validation of the CKEditorFuncNum parameter, creating an exploitable vector for remote attackers to execute malicious code within the context of a victim's browser session. The vulnerability directly impacts web applications that integrate KCFinder as their file upload and management interface, particularly those utilizing CKEditor for content creation and management.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious payload containing JavaScript code within the CKEditorFuncNum parameter during file upload operations. The vulnerable application fails to properly sanitize or escape this input before incorporating it into the response, allowing the injected script to execute in the browser of any user who views the affected page or interacts with the uploaded content. This flaw operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-79, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities where untrusted data is improperly incorporated into web pages without proper validation or encoding.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-14315 extends beyond simple script injection, as it enables attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, data exfiltration, and redirection to malicious websites. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to steal administrator sessions, modify uploaded files, or even establish persistent backdoors within the affected web application. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of web applications that rely on KCFinder for file management, particularly those used in content management systems, web applications, and collaborative platforms where users upload files through CKEditor interfaces.
Security practitioners should prioritize immediate remediation of this vulnerability by upgrading to patched versions of KCFinder, as the affected versions contain multiple security flaws that can be exploited for unauthorized access and data compromise. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, and T1566 for Phishing, as attackers can use the XSS vector to deliver malicious payloads through social engineering campaigns. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation, output encoding, and content security policies to mitigate the risk of exploitation, while also conducting regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in third-party components and dependencies.