CVE-2019-7409 in ProfileDesign
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in ProfileDesign CMS v6.0.2.5 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) page, (2) gbs, (3) side, (4) id, (5) imgid, (6) cat, or (7) orderby parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/17/2023
The CVE-2019-7409 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in ProfileDesign CMS version 6.0.2.5, exposing the system to remote code execution risks through multiple input vectors. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, specifically targeting the application's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input parameters. The affected parameters include page, gbs, side, id, imgid, cat, and orderby, all of which can be manipulated by remote attackers to inject malicious scripts into the application's response. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by its widespread impact across multiple functional areas of the CMS, making it particularly dangerous for organizations relying on this platform for content management.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the ProfileDesign CMS application. When users provide input through any of the vulnerable parameters, the system fails to adequately sanitize the data before incorporating it into dynamic web pages. This allows attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code or HTML content that executes in the context of other users' browsers. The attack vector operates entirely through HTTP requests, requiring no authentication or privileged access, making it particularly attractive to threat actors seeking to exploit web applications at scale. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 by enabling attackers to establish persistent access through client-side exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-7409 extends beyond simple script injection, potentially allowing attackers to perform session hijacking, deface websites, steal sensitive information, or redirect users to malicious domains. Organizations using ProfileDesign CMS v6.0.2.5 face significant risk of data breaches and reputational damage if this vulnerability remains unpatched. The vulnerability affects not only the primary content management functions but also secondary features such as image management, category listings, and page navigation, creating multiple attack surfaces for exploitation. Security teams must recognize that this vulnerability can be leveraged to create persistent backdoors within the application environment, particularly when combined with other exploitation techniques.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-7409 should prioritize immediate patching of the ProfileDesign CMS to version 6.0.2.6 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation mechanisms, including strict parameter filtering and output encoding for all user-supplied data. The application should employ Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution and prevent unauthorized code injection. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious parameter usage patterns, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, while user access controls should be reviewed to minimize potential attack surface. The remediation process must include thorough testing to ensure that the patch does not introduce regressions in application functionality while maintaining the security posture against similar XSS vulnerabilities.