CVE-2020-20799 in JeeCMS
Summary
by MITRE • 10/01/2021
JeeCMS 1.0.1 contains a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability which allows attackers to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML via a crafted payload in the commentText parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/04/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-20799 affects JeeCMS version 1.0.1 and represents a critical stored cross-site scripting flaw that enables attackers to inject malicious code into the application's comment system. This vulnerability specifically manifests when the commentText parameter is processed without adequate input validation or output encoding, creating a persistent security weakness that can be exploited by unauthorized users. The stored nature of this XSS vulnerability means that malicious scripts are permanently saved within the application's database and subsequently executed whenever other users view the affected comments, making it particularly dangerous for content management systems where user-generated content is prevalent.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user input within the comment submission functionality. When users submit comments through the JeeCMS interface, the commentText parameter is directly processed and stored in the database without proper validation mechanisms to detect or neutralize potentially malicious payloads. This allows attackers to embed javascript code, html tags, or other malicious content that will be executed in the context of other users' browsers when they view the compromised comments. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and represents a classic example of how inadequate input filtering can lead to persistent security breaches.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for organizations using JeeCMS 1.0.1 as their content management platform. Attackers can leverage this weakness to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious websites, deface the website content, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. The persistent nature of stored XSS means that even after the initial attack, the malicious code continues to execute for all users who interact with the compromised comments, potentially leading to prolonged unauthorized access or data exfiltration. This vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including social engineering, where attackers convince users to submit malicious comments, or through automated tools that can systematically inject payloads into comment fields.
The security implications extend beyond simple script execution as this vulnerability can facilitate more sophisticated attacks within the context of the application's user base. Attackers may use the stored XSS to harvest sensitive information from authenticated users, perform CSRF attacks, or establish persistent backdoors within the application environment. The vulnerability also violates fundamental web application security principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, specifically addressing the risk of cross-site scripting in web applications. Organizations should consider implementing comprehensive mitigations including input validation, output encoding, and content security policies to address this weakness. The recommended remediation involves upgrading to a patched version of JeeCMS or implementing proper input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms for all user-submitted content, particularly in comment and feedback systems. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other web applications and ensure that proper security controls are in place to prevent the execution of unauthorized scripts within their web environments.