CVE-2020-13796 in Navigate CMS
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in Navigate CMS through 2.8.7. It allows XSS because of a lack of purify calls in lib/packages/structure/structure.class.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/04/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-13796 represents a cross-site scripting weakness in Navigate CMS versions up to 2.8.7, specifically within the lib/packages/structure/structure.class.php file. This flaw stems from insufficient input sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly purify user-supplied data before it is processed and rendered within the application's output. The absence of proper sanitization routines creates an exploitable condition where malicious actors can inject malicious scripts into the CMS environment through carefully crafted inputs.
This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security flaws. The technical implementation flaw occurs when the structure.class.php component handles user inputs without adequate validation or sanitization before incorporating them into dynamic content generation. The lack of purify calls means that any data submitted through forms, parameters, or other user interaction points can potentially contain malicious script code that executes in the context of other users' browsers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform session hijacking, defacement of content, data theft, and potentially full system compromise if the targeted users have elevated privileges. When exploited, this XSS vulnerability could allow unauthorized individuals to inject malicious JavaScript code that executes in the browsers of unsuspecting users, enabling them to steal cookies, session tokens, or perform unauthorized actions on behalf of victims. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that Navigate CMS is a content management system where user inputs are frequently processed and displayed.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output sanitization mechanisms throughout the application codebase, particularly in the affected structure.class.php file. The recommended approach involves adding proper purify functions to sanitize all user inputs before they are processed or stored, implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution, and conducting thorough code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls and regular security testing to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to OWASP Top Ten security guidelines for preventing XSS attacks in web applications.