CVE-2019-20522 in ilchCMS
Summary
by MITRE
ilchCMS 2.1.23 allows XSS via the index.php/partner/index Link parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/11/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-20522 affects ilchCMS version 2.1.23 and represents a cross-site scripting flaw that specifically targets the partner index functionality within the application. This issue manifests through the index.php/partner/index Link parameter, which fails to properly sanitize user input before rendering it in the web application's output. The vulnerability exists in the context of content management systems where user-provided data is often integrated into web pages without adequate security controls, creating potential attack vectors for malicious actors seeking to exploit client-side vulnerabilities.
The technical nature of this flaw stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the ilchCMS framework. When a user provides a malicious link parameter through the specified endpoint, the application processes this input without proper sanitization measures, allowing potentially harmful script code to be executed within the context of other users' browsers. This represents a classic case of improper neutralization of input during web application development, which aligns with CWE-79 - Cross-site Scripting. The vulnerability operates by bypassing the application's security controls that should normally prevent malicious code from being stored or executed in the web application's response.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or defacement, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the browsers of authenticated users. This could enable session hijacking, credential theft, or the redirection of users to malicious websites. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it targets the partner functionality which is likely used for displaying external links or partner information, making it a common entry point for attackers. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, as it leverages JavaScript execution capabilities within the victim's browser context. The potential for privilege escalation exists when the affected CMS is used in environments where administrators or privileged users access the partner functionality, as these individuals would be more susceptible to targeted attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate implementation of proper input sanitization and output encoding for all user-provided parameters within the application's codebase. The recommended approach involves applying context-specific encoding mechanisms such as HTML entity encoding for content displayed in web pages, and implementing strict input validation that rejects or removes potentially malicious characters. Additionally, the application should employ Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit the sources from which scripts can be executed, providing an additional layer of protection against XSS attacks. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious parameter values before they reach the vulnerable application components. Regular security updates and patches should be deployed immediately upon vendor release, as this vulnerability was likely addressed in subsequent versions of ilchCMS. The remediation process should also include comprehensive code review of all input handling mechanisms to identify and fix similar vulnerabilities throughout the application's codebase, following secure coding practices as outlined in OWASP Secure Coding Practices.