CVE-2020-18126 in Indexhibit
Summary
by MITRE • 08/31/2021
Multiple stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in the Sections module of Indexhibit 2.1.5 allows attackers to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/03/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-18126 represents a critical security flaw within the Sections module of Indexhibit version 2.1.5, a content management system designed for creating and managing digital exhibitions. This stored cross-site scripting vulnerability allows malicious actors to inject persistent malicious scripts into the application's database, which then execute whenever legitimate users access affected pages. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the Sections module, creating an environment where attacker-controlled content can be seamlessly integrated into the application's normal workflow.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when users with appropriate privileges create or modify content within the Sections module without proper sanitization of user-supplied data. When this data is later rendered on web pages, the malicious scripts execute within the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The stored nature of this vulnerability means that once injected, the malicious code persists in the database and affects all users who view the affected content, making it particularly dangerous for collaborative environments where multiple users interact with shared content.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability compromises the integrity and security of the entire Indexhibit installation, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges, access sensitive data, or manipulate the content management system's functionality. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the application by undermining user trust and potentially enabling further attacks through session manipulation or data exfiltration. Organizations relying on Indexhibit for digital exhibitions or content management face significant risks, particularly when the application handles sensitive or confidential information. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to establish persistent access points within the system, as successful exploitation can provide a foothold for more extensive attacks.
Security mitigations for CVE-2020-18126 should prioritize immediate application of vendor patches or updates to Indexhibit 2.1.6 or later versions that address the XSS vulnerabilities in the Sections module. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent malicious content from being stored or executed, following established security practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1566, representing spearphishing with malicious attachments or links. Additionally, implementing proper access controls, regular security audits, and user education about the risks of untrusted content can significantly reduce the attack surface and potential impact of this vulnerability.