CVE-2020-25875 in Codoforum
Summary
by MITRE • 07/10/2021
A stored cross site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the 'Smileys' feature of Codoforum v5.0.2 allows authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML via crafted payload entered into the 'Smiley Code' parameter.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/15/2021
The vulnerability CVE-2020-25875 represents a critical stored cross site scripting flaw within the Smileys feature of Codoforum version 5.0.2, classified under CWE-79 as improper neutralization of input during web page generation. This vulnerability specifically targets the 'Smiley Code' parameter which is processed and stored within the forum's database, creating a persistent XSS vector that affects all users who view the malicious smiley. The flaw exists because the application fails to properly sanitize and escape user input before storing it in the database, allowing attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code that executes whenever the smiley is rendered on forum pages. This stored nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious payload remains active indefinitely until manually removed by administrators, making it particularly dangerous for forum environments where multiple users interact regularly.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an authenticated attacker with access to the forum's smiley management interface, typically an administrator or privileged user role. Attackers can craft malicious payloads containing JavaScript code within the Smiley Code parameter, which gets stored in the database and executed in the context of other users' browsers when the smiley is displayed. This creates a persistent threat vector that can be used to steal session cookies, perform actions on behalf of users, redirect to malicious sites, or even execute more sophisticated attacks such as credential harvesting or browser exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation and output escaping practices, with the application failing to implement proper sanitization of user-supplied data before persistence storage.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-25875 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can be leveraged for broader security compromises within the forum environment. When exploited, the stored XSS can enable attackers to hijack user sessions, potentially gaining access to sensitive user data, private messages, and administrative controls. The vulnerability also poses risks to the forum's overall integrity and user trust, as malicious actors can use the stored payload to deface forum content or redirect users to phishing sites. This type of vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the forum's services, as users may lose confidence in the platform's security, leading to decreased engagement and potential data breaches. The persistent nature of stored XSS makes it particularly challenging to detect and remediate, as the malicious code can remain undetected for extended periods.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-25875 should focus on immediate patching of the affected Codoforum version, implementing proper input validation and output escaping mechanisms, and establishing comprehensive monitoring for suspicious smiley code entries. Organizations should enforce strict sanitization of all user inputs, particularly those destined for storage and later display, using established libraries and frameworks that properly escape HTML and JavaScript content. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional defense in depth, while regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar input validation weaknesses. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with T1059.007 for scripting and T1531 for implantation of malicious code, making it a significant concern for organizations following the MITRE ATT&CK methodology for threat analysis and defense planning. Regular security updates and patch management processes should be prioritized to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities in forum software and similar web applications.