CVE-2019-7435 in Opensource Classified Ads Script
Summary
by MITRE
PHP Scripts Mall Opensource Classified Ads Script 3.2.2 has reflected HTML injection via the Search Form.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/04/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-7435 affects PHP Scripts Mall Opensource Classified Ads Script version 3.2.2, representing a reflected cross-site scripting vulnerability that occurs through the search form functionality. This issue falls under the category of web application security flaws that can potentially allow attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of a victim's browser. The vulnerability specifically manifests when user input from the search form is not properly sanitized or validated before being reflected back to the user interface, creating an environment where malicious code can be injected and executed.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the classified ads script's search functionality. When users submit search queries through the form, the application fails to adequately sanitize the input parameters before incorporating them into the HTML response. This allows an attacker to craft malicious payloads that, when submitted, get reflected back to the user's browser without proper HTML escaping or encoding. The vulnerability is classified as reflected XSS because the malicious script is reflected off the web server rather than being stored on the server, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that process user input directly in their responses.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and redirection to malicious websites. Attackers can craft search queries that contain malicious JavaScript code, which when executed in a victim's browser can steal session cookies, redirect users to phishing sites, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. The reflected nature of the vulnerability means that the attack typically requires social engineering to trick users into clicking malicious links, but once executed, it can compromise user sessions and potentially lead to full account takeover. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-79, which defines Cross-Site Scripting as a weakness where untrusted data is incorporated into web page content without proper validation or encoding.
The implications of this vulnerability are particularly concerning for classified ads platforms where users frequently interact with search functionality and where sensitive user information may be exposed. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to steal user credentials, manipulate search results, or redirect users to malicious sites that appear legitimate. The attack surface is broad as it affects any user who performs searches on the affected platform, and the vulnerability can be exploited through various vectors including email links, social media posts, or direct URL manipulation. Organizations using this classified ads script should prioritize immediate remediation to prevent potential exploitation and protect user data integrity.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application's search functionality. Developers should ensure that all user-supplied input is sanitized before being processed or reflected back to users, utilizing HTML escaping techniques to prevent script execution. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection against XSS attacks by restricting the sources from which scripts can be loaded. Regular security testing including automated scanning and manual penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application. Organizations should also consider implementing proper logging and monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain compliance with security standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.