CVE-2020-14926 in CMS Made Simple
Summary
by MITRE
CMS Made Simple 2.2.14 allows XSS via a Search Term to the admin/moduleinterface.php?mact=ModuleManager page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/20/2020
The vulnerability CVE-2020-14926 represents a cross-site scripting flaw in CMS Made Simple version 2.2.14 that specifically targets the admin/moduleinterface.php page with the ModuleManager module. This issue arises from insufficient input validation and output sanitization when processing search terms submitted to the module management interface. The flaw exists in the administrative backend where user-supplied input is directly incorporated into HTML responses without proper encoding or filtering mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits malicious payloads through the search functionality of the ModuleManager module interface. The vulnerable code fails to sanitize the search term parameter before rendering it in the page output, allowing malicious scripts to be executed in the context of authenticated administrator sessions. This creates a persistent XSS vector that can be leveraged to steal session cookies, execute arbitrary JavaScript code, or perform actions on behalf of the administrator. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it targets the administrative interface, which typically grants elevated privileges and access to sensitive system functions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it can lead to complete system compromise when an attacker gains administrative access. An attacker could potentially install malicious modules, modify existing functionality, access sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors within the CMS environment. The attack surface is further expanded because the vulnerability affects the module management interface, which is commonly used by administrators for system maintenance and configuration. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting issues in web applications. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell and T1078 - Valid Accounts, as it enables attackers to execute malicious code and potentially escalate privileges through administrative access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-14926 should prioritize immediate patching of the CMS Made Simple installation to version 2.2.15 or later, which contains the necessary input validation fixes. Organizations should also implement additional security measures including input validation at multiple layers, output encoding for all dynamic content, and regular security audits of administrative interfaces. Network segmentation and monitoring of administrative access patterns can help detect exploitation attempts. Security headers such as Content Security Policy should be implemented to provide additional protection against XSS attacks. Regular security training for administrators and implementation of principle of least privilege access controls can further reduce the risk exposure from this vulnerability. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads targeting this specific attack vector. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patched systems to ensure that the XSS vulnerability has been properly addressed without introducing regressions in functionality.