CVE-2019-14976 in iCMS
Summary
by MITRE
iCMS 7.0.15 allows admincp.php?app=apps XSS via the keywords parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-14976 affects iCMS version 7.0.15 and represents a cross-site scripting flaw within the administrative control panel. This issue manifests specifically through the admincp.php?app=apps endpoint where the keywords parameter fails to properly sanitize user input, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code. The vulnerability resides in the application's handling of search parameters within the administrative interface, where unfiltered input is directly reflected back to users without adequate output encoding or validation mechanisms.
This cross-site scripting vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is a critical weakness in web applications that allows attackers to execute scripts in the context of other users. The flaw operates through the standard XSS attack vector where malicious JavaScript code embedded in the keywords parameter gets executed when administrative users navigate to the affected page. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it targets the administrative interface, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges, steal session cookies, or perform unauthorized actions within the application's administrative context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it compromises the integrity of the administrative environment. When administrative users access the affected page with maliciously crafted keywords, the injected JavaScript code executes in their browser context, potentially leading to session hijacking, data exfiltration, or privilege escalation. The attack requires minimal user interaction since the malicious payload is triggered automatically when the admin user navigates to the vulnerable page, making it particularly dangerous in environments where administrators frequently access the control panel.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-14976 should focus on implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application's codebase. The most effective remediation involves sanitizing all user-supplied input through proper encoding before it is processed or displayed, particularly within administrative interfaces where elevated privileges exist. Implementing Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection against XSS attacks by restricting the sources from which scripts can be loaded. The application should also employ proper parameter validation to ensure that search keywords do not contain potentially dangerous characters or script tags. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious input patterns associated with XSS attacks. Regular security assessments and code reviews focused on input handling and output encoding practices will help prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future versions of the application.
The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of securing administrative interfaces, as these areas often represent the most attractive targets for attackers seeking to gain unauthorized access to systems. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, and T1566 - Phishing, as attackers may need to entice administrators to interact with malicious payloads. The security community has long emphasized that administrative interfaces require the highest level of protection due to their privileged access, making vulnerabilities like CVE-2019-14976 particularly concerning from a risk management perspective. Organizations should prioritize patching this vulnerability immediately and implement comprehensive logging to monitor for exploitation attempts, as the administrative interface represents a critical attack surface that requires continuous vigilance and protection.