CVE-2020-12683 in Katyshop2
Summary
by MITRE
Katyshop2 before 2.12 has multiple stored XSS issues.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-12683 affects Katyshop2 versions prior to 2.12 and represents a critical security flaw involving multiple stored cross-site scripting vulnerabilities. This issue allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into the application's database through user input fields, which are then executed whenever other users view the affected content. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization mechanisms within the shopping cart application, creating persistent attack vectors that can compromise user sessions and exfiltrate sensitive data.
Stored XSS vulnerabilities in web applications occur when user-supplied data is stored on the server and subsequently rendered back to other users without proper sanitization. The CWE-079 weakness classification applies directly to this vulnerability, as it represents an insecure data handling practice where user input is not adequately filtered before being stored and displayed. This flaw enables attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, and unauthorized administrative actions. The persistent nature of stored XSS means that the malicious payloads remain active until explicitly removed by administrators, making them particularly dangerous for long-term compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-12683 extends beyond simple data corruption or display issues, as it provides attackers with a foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the application environment. When users browse product listings, view comments, or interact with stored user-generated content, their browsers execute the injected scripts, potentially redirecting them to malicious domains or stealing session cookies. This vulnerability particularly affects e-commerce platforms where user-generated content is common, including product reviews, customer support messages, and administrative comments. The attack surface is amplified when considering that the vulnerability affects multiple input points within the application, increasing the probability of successful exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-12683 require immediate implementation of comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application. Organizations should upgrade to Katyshop2 version 2.12 or later, which includes proper sanitization of user input and implementation of Content Security Policy headers to prevent script execution. The ATT&CK framework's T1566 technique for "Phishing" and T1071.001 for "Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols" are relevant here, as attackers may leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access through user compromise. Additionally, implementing proper input filtering using allowlists, escaping special characters, and employing secure coding practices such as parameterized queries will significantly reduce the risk of similar vulnerabilities in future deployments. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate other potential XSS vectors within the application stack.