CVE-2019-7553 in Chartered Accountant : Auditor Website
Summary
by MITRE
PHP Scripts Mall Chartered Accountant : Auditor Website 2.0.1 has Stored XSS in the Profile Update page via the My Name field.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/28/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2019-7553 represents a critical stored cross-site scripting flaw discovered in PHP Scripts Mall Chartered Accountant : Auditor Website version 2.0.1. This security weakness resides within the profile update functionality of the web application, specifically targeting the My Name field input parameter. The flaw allows attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code that persists in the application's database and executes whenever the affected page is accessed by other users. Stored XSS vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because the malicious payload remains embedded in the system long after the initial injection, making it capable of affecting multiple users over extended periods. The vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which categorizes cross-site scripting flaws as weaknesses in input validation and output encoding, where the application fails to properly sanitize user-provided data before rendering it back to users.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits malicious JavaScript code through the My Name field during profile update operations. When other users view the profile information or when the profile data is rendered in various contexts, the injected script executes in their browsers. This can lead to session hijacking, credential theft, redirection to malicious sites, or even the execution of arbitrary commands on victim machines. The attack vector specifically targets the web application's insufficient input validation and output sanitization mechanisms. The vulnerability demonstrates a failure in proper data sanitization practices where user inputs are not adequately filtered or escaped before being stored and subsequently displayed to other users. This flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1531 which describes the use of malicious code injection techniques to compromise web applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-7553 extends beyond simple data corruption or display issues, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent access to the application and its user base. Organizations using this specific version of the Chartered Accountant website may face significant risks including unauthorized access to sensitive financial information, potential data breaches, and compromise of user sessions. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the web application's user data, as the stored malicious scripts can capture cookies, submit forms, or redirect users to phishing sites. Given that this is a profile update feature, attackers can exploit the vulnerability to target multiple users within the organization, potentially compromising the entire user community that relies on the platform for financial services. The impact is particularly severe in professional accounting contexts where sensitive financial data is processed and stored.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-7553 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and output encoding measures. Organizations should implement strict sanitization of all user inputs, particularly those fields that are rendered back to users, using proper HTML escaping techniques and content security policies. The recommended approach includes validating input length, character sets, and applying appropriate encoding before storing data in the database. Additionally, implementing a robust content security policy can prevent execution of unauthorized scripts even if injection attempts occur. Organizations should also consider implementing input field length restrictions and regular security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application. The fix should align with security best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten and should include proper error handling to prevent information disclosure that could aid further exploitation attempts. Regular updates and patches to the application should be prioritized, as this vulnerability indicates a broader lack of security controls in the application's codebase.