CVE-2020-22540 in Codoforum
Summary
by MITRE • 04/16/2024
Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Codoforum v4.9, allows attackers to execute arbitrary code and obtain sensitive information via crafted payload to Category name component.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/06/2025
The stored cross-site scripting vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-22540 affects Codoforum version 4.9 and represents a critical security flaw that enables attackers to inject malicious scripts into the application's category name component. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications. The flaw exists in the application's input validation and output encoding mechanisms, where user-supplied data entered into the category name field is not properly sanitized before being stored and subsequently rendered to other users. When victims browse to pages containing the maliciously crafted category names, the stored scripts execute in their browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or other malicious activities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of user input within the forum's administrative interface. Attackers can craft malicious payloads containing javascript code or other malicious scripts and submit them as category names through the web interface. These payloads are then stored in the application's database and displayed on various forum pages without proper HTML escaping or sanitization. The vulnerability is classified as stored XSS because the malicious script is permanently stored on the server and executed whenever users view pages containing the compromised data. This differs from reflected XSS where the payload must be injected into a request and immediately reflected back to the user.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable sophisticated attack vectors including session manipulation, data exfiltration, and privilege escalation. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can potentially steal session cookies, allowing them to impersonate legitimate users and access restricted forum features. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to modify forum content, inject malicious advertisements, or redirect users to phishing sites. Given that forums typically contain user-generated content and personal information, the potential for data compromise is significant. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it affects the core administrative functionality of the forum, potentially allowing attackers to gain elevated privileges within the application's ecosystem.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-22540 should focus on implementing robust input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application. Organizations should immediately apply the vendor-provided patches or upgrade to versions that address this vulnerability. The recommended approach includes implementing proper HTML escaping for all user-supplied content before storage and rendering, utilizing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution, and implementing comprehensive input sanitization routines. Additionally, the application should enforce strict validation of category names to prevent the injection of potentially harmful characters or script tags. Security measures should also include regular security assessments and monitoring for unauthorized modifications to forum components. The mitigation aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566.001 for credential access through social engineering, as attackers may use this vulnerability to establish persistent access or harvest credentials through session manipulation attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious payloads attempting to exploit this vulnerability.