CVE-2019-17226 in CMS Made Simple
Summary
by MITRE
CMS Made Simple (CMSMS) 2.2.11 allows XSS via the Site Admin > Module Manager > Search Term field.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-17226 represents a cross-site scripting flaw within CMS Made Simple version 2.2.11 that specifically affects the Site Admin > Module Manager > Search Term field. This issue arises from inadequate input validation and output sanitization mechanisms within the administrative interface of the content management system. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79 which denotes Cross-Site Scripting, a critical web application security weakness that enables attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The flaw manifests when administrators interact with the module manager search functionality, creating an attack vector that could potentially compromise the entire administrative environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input containing script tags or other malicious code within the search term field of the module manager interface. When the system processes this input without proper sanitization, the malicious code gets executed in the context of other administrators or users who view the affected search results. This creates a persistent XSS attack vector that can be leveraged to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized administrative actions, or redirect users to malicious domains. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it targets the administrative interface, which typically has elevated privileges and access to sensitive system functions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to the CMS administration panel and potentially compromise the entire website. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could modify website content, install malicious modules, delete critical files, or even establish persistent backdoors within the CMS environment. The attack surface is amplified by the fact that administrators frequently use the module manager search functionality, increasing the likelihood of successful exploitation. This vulnerability directly relates to ATT&CK technique T1213 which covers data from information repositories, as it enables unauthorized access to administrative functions that control website data and configuration.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-17226 should prioritize immediate patching of the CMS Made Simple application to version 2.2.12 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should also implement input validation measures at the application level, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly sanitized before being processed or displayed. Additionally, implementing proper output encoding for all dynamic content can prevent script execution even if input validation fails. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls should be configured to monitor for suspicious search term patterns that might indicate attempted XSS attacks. Regular security audits and penetration testing of administrative interfaces should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities. The implementation of content security policies can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, preventing execution of unauthorized scripts even if the primary vulnerability is exploited. Administrative access should be restricted through multi-factor authentication and regular privilege reviews to minimize potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.