CVE-2020-18167 in LAOBANCMS
Summary
by MITRE • 05/15/2021
Cross Site Scripting (XSS) in LAOBANCMS v2.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by injecting commands into the "Homepage Introduction" field of component "admin/info.php?shuyu".
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/16/2021
The vulnerability CVE-2020-18167 represents a critical cross site scripting flaw within LAOBANCMS version 2.0 that exposes the system to remote code execution attacks through improper input validation. This vulnerability specifically targets the administrative interface component located at admin/info.php?shuyu where the "Homepage Introduction" field fails to properly sanitize user inputs, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject malicious scripts. The flaw operates under CWE-79 which categorizes cross site scripting vulnerabilities as a result of inadequate input validation and output encoding. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious payloads that when executed in the context of a victim's browser can perform unauthorized actions including stealing session cookies, redirecting users to malicious sites, or executing arbitrary commands on the target system. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple script injection as it enables attackers to gain persistent access to the administrative interface, potentially allowing them to modify website content, escalate privileges, or establish backdoors within the CMS environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires attackers to understand the specific injection point within the admin/info.php?shuyu component where the homepage introduction field is processed without proper sanitization. This creates a persistent XSS vector that can be leveraged by attackers to execute malicious JavaScript code in the context of authenticated administrative sessions. The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows attackers to bypass normal authentication mechanisms and gain administrative control over the CMS, potentially leading to complete system compromise. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for scripting and T1566.001 for spearphishing with social engineering, as attackers can craft malicious payloads that appear legitimate to administrators. The vulnerability also relates to T1071.001 for application layer protocol usage, as it exploits web application communication channels to inject malicious code. The attack chain typically involves initial reconnaissance to identify the vulnerable CMS version, followed by crafting of malicious payloads targeting the specific injection point, and finally execution of the payload through user interaction with the compromised administrative interface.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-18167 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. Organizations should implement proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent XSS injection attacks, specifically ensuring that all user inputs are sanitized before being processed or displayed within the administrative interface. The recommended approach includes implementing Content Security Policy headers, employing proper HTML escaping techniques, and utilizing parameterized queries to prevent script injection. Security patches should be applied immediately to upgrade LAOBANCMS to a version that addresses this vulnerability, as the original version 2.0 lacks proper input sanitization mechanisms. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls can provide an additional layer of protection by detecting and blocking malicious payloads attempting to exploit this vulnerability. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities within the CMS and its associated components, ensuring comprehensive protection against similar attack vectors. The implementation of principle of least privilege for administrative accounts and multi-factor authentication can further reduce the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.