CVE-2020-23263 in Fork
Summary
by MITRE • 05/07/2021
Persistent Cross-site scripting vulnerability on Fork CMS version 5.8.2 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary Javascript code via the "navigation_title" parameter and the "title" parameter in /private/en/pages/add.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/12/2021
This vulnerability represents a critical persistent cross-site scripting flaw in Fork CMS version 5.8.2 that enables remote attackers to execute malicious javascript code within the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability specifically affects the administrative interface where content is managed, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by attackers who have gained access to the CMS admin panel or through social engineering techniques targeting administrators. The attack vector involves manipulation of the navigation_title and title parameters during the page creation process at the /private/en/pages/add endpoint, which allows attackers to inject persistent javascript payloads that will execute whenever the affected pages are viewed by other users.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization within the Fork CMS framework. When administrators or attackers submit data through the add page form, the system fails to properly sanitize the navigation_title and title parameters before storing them in the database and subsequently rendering them in the web interface. This creates a persistent XSS condition where malicious scripts are stored server-side and executed every time the affected content is displayed to users. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and represents a classic case of insufficient sanitization of user-provided data that should be treated as untrusted input.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it can be leveraged for various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, redirection to malicious sites, and data exfiltration. Attackers could potentially steal administrator sessions, modify content, or establish persistent backdoors within the CMS environment. The persistent nature of the vulnerability means that once exploited, the malicious code will continue to execute for all users who access the affected pages until the vulnerability is patched and the malicious content is removed from the database. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous for organizations that rely on Fork CMS for content management, as it can remain active for extended periods without detection.
Organizations should immediately implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability. The primary mitigation involves applying the official patch released by Fork CMS developers for version 5.8.2, which includes proper input sanitization and output encoding for all user-provided parameters. Additionally, implementing proper web application firewall rules to detect and block suspicious javascript patterns in URL parameters can provide additional protection. Security measures should also include regular input validation, output encoding, and the principle of least privilege for CMS administrators. Organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their CMS installations and implement monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized modifications to content management systems. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing robust security practices in web application development, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1190 which covers exploitation of vulnerabilities in web applications.