CVE-2020-23205 in Monstra
Summary
by MITRE • 07/02/2021
A stored cross site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Monstra CMS version 3.0.4 allows attackers to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML via crafted a payload entered into the "Site Name" field under the "Site Settings" module.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/09/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-23205 represents a critical stored cross site scripting flaw within Monstra CMS version 3.0.4 that fundamentally compromises the security posture of affected systems. This vulnerability resides in the Site Settings module where user input is not properly sanitized or validated before being stored and subsequently rendered back to users. The specific attack vector targets the "Site Name" field, which serves as a critical configuration parameter that appears throughout the CMS interface and potentially in public-facing website elements.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding practices within the CMS codebase. When administrators or authorized users enter malicious payloads into the Site Name field, the system fails to properly escape or sanitize special characters that could be interpreted as HTML or JavaScript code. This failure creates a persistent XSS vulnerability where the malicious content is stored in the database and executed whenever the affected page is loaded by any user, including administrators. The flaw aligns with CWE-79 which categorizes cross site scripting vulnerabilities as weaknesses in input validation and output encoding, specifically addressing the failure to properly escape or encode user-controllable data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it provides attackers with a powerful foothold for further exploitation. An attacker who successfully injects malicious code through the Site Name field can potentially steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, deface the website, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. The stored nature of this vulnerability means that the malicious payload persists even after the initial injection, making it particularly dangerous as it can affect multiple users over extended periods. This vulnerability directly maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1531 for credential access through session hijacking and T1001 for data obfuscation through malicious script injection.
Security implications of this vulnerability are particularly severe for organizations relying on Monstra CMS for website management, as it provides attackers with a means to establish persistent presence within the affected environment. The vulnerability affects not only the administrative interface but also the public-facing website since the Site Name field often appears in page titles, meta tags, and other elements visible to visitors. Organizations may experience data breaches, reputational damage, and potential regulatory compliance violations. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical skill and can be automated, making it attractive to both skilled and unskilled attackers. Mitigation efforts should include immediate patching of the CMS to the latest version, implementation of proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms, and consideration of additional security controls such as web application firewalls and content security policies to prevent exploitation.