CVE-2020-21643 in HongCMS
Summary
by MITRE • 04/28/2023
Cross Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in HongCMS 3.0 allows attackers to run arbitrary code via the callback parameter to /ajax/myshop.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/27/2025
This cross site scripting vulnerability exists within HongCMS 3.0 version where the application fails to properly sanitize user input in the callback parameter of the /ajax/myshop endpoint. The flaw represents a classic reflected XSS vulnerability that occurs when the application directly incorporates user-supplied data into dynamically generated web pages without adequate validation or encoding. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-79 as it involves the improper handling of dynamic content that can be manipulated by attackers to inject malicious scripts. When an attacker crafts a malicious URL containing script code within the callback parameter and tricks a victim into executing it, the script executes in the victim's browser context with the privileges of the victim's session. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to execute arbitrary code in the victim's browser, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The attack vector follows the typical XSS exploitation pattern where the malicious payload is embedded in a URL parameter and delivered through social engineering techniques. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1566.001 for initial access through malicious links and T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter usage. The operational impact includes potential data breaches, unauthorized access to user accounts, and the ability to perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. The vulnerability affects the web application's integrity and can compromise the confidentiality of user sessions. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding practices within the HongCMS 3.0 application. The callback parameter lacks proper sanitization mechanisms, allowing attackers to inject script tags or other malicious code that gets executed when the page renders. This vulnerability is classified as a medium to high severity issue based on the Common Vulnerability Scoring System due to its accessibility and potential for exploitation. The attack requires minimal technical expertise, making it particularly dangerous for widespread exploitation. Organizations using HongCMS 3.0 should immediately implement input validation for all user-supplied parameters, especially those used in dynamic content generation. The recommended mitigations include implementing proper output encoding, using Content Security Policy headers, and validating all input data against a whitelist of acceptable characters. Additionally, the application should employ proper parameter validation and sanitize all user inputs before processing them. Security patches should be applied to update the HongCMS version to a secure release that addresses this vulnerability. The mitigation strategies align with OWASP Top 10 recommendations for preventing XSS attacks through proper input validation and output encoding techniques. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads targeting this specific vulnerability. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the web application stack. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of implementing secure coding practices and proper input validation in web applications to prevent attackers from executing malicious code through user-supplied parameters.