CVE-2020-17451 in flatCore
Summary
by MITRE
flatCore before 1.5.7 allows XSS by an admin via the acp/acp.php?tn=pages&sub=edit&editpage=1 page_linkname, page_title, page_content, or page_extracontent parameter, or the acp/acp.php?tn=system&sub=sys_pref prefs_pagename, prefs_pagetitle, or prefs_pagesubtitle parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/10/2020
The vulnerability CVE-2020-17451 represents a cross-site scripting flaw in flatCore versions prior to 1.5.7 that specifically targets administrative interfaces. This vulnerability exists within the administrative control panel of the flatCore content management system, making it particularly dangerous as it allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into pages that are then executed in the browsers of other administrators or users who access the affected administrative sections. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79 as a failure to sanitize or validate user input, specifically within the administrative context where privileged users interact with the system.
The technical flaw manifests through multiple parameter injection points within the administrative interface. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating the page_linkname, page_title, page_content, or page_extracontent parameters when editing pages through the acp/acp.php?tn=pages&sub=edit&editpage=1 endpoint. Additionally, the vulnerability extends to system preference parameters including prefs_pagename, prefs_pagetitle, or prefs_pagesubtitle found at the acp/acp.php?tn=system&sub=sys_pref endpoint. These parameters are processed without adequate input validation or output sanitization, allowing malicious script payloads to be stored and subsequently executed when the affected pages are rendered to authenticated users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides attackers with a potential path to escalate privileges and maintain persistent access within the administrative environment. When an administrator visits pages containing the injected malicious scripts, the scripts execute in their browser context, potentially enabling session hijacking, credential theft, or further exploitation of the administrative interface. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of the administrative operations, as it allows attackers to manipulate the content management system's functionality and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive system configurations. The attack requires minimal privileges since it targets the administrative interface where legitimate administrators already have elevated access rights.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-17451 should prioritize immediate patching of the flatCore system to version 1.5.7 or later, which contains the necessary input validation and sanitization fixes. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation measures that enforce strict sanitization of all user-supplied data before it is processed or stored within the system. The principle of least privilege should be maintained by ensuring that administrative accounts have minimal necessary permissions and that access to administrative interfaces is restricted through proper authentication mechanisms. Network segmentation and monitoring of administrative access patterns can help detect potential exploitation attempts, while regular security audits of web applications should include thorough testing for XSS vulnerabilities in all input parameters. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policy headers can provide an additional layer of protection against script execution even if input validation fails, as outlined in the ATT&CK framework's techniques for command and control through web applications.