CVE-2020-29587 in SimplCommerce
Summary
by MITRE • 01/14/2021
SimplCommerce 1.0.0-rc uses the Bootbox.js library, which allows creation of programmatic dialog boxes using Bootstrap modals. The Bootbox.js library intentionally does not perform any sanitization of user input, which results in a DOM XSS, because it uses the jQuery .html() function to directly append the payload to a dialog.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/14/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-29587 affects SimplCommerce version 1.0.0-rc through its integration with the Bootbox.js library, representing a significant security weakness that exposes applications to cross-site scripting attacks. This issue stems from the library's design choice to avoid input sanitization, creating an environment where malicious payloads can be executed within the context of legitimate user sessions. The flaw specifically manifests when the library processes user-supplied data through the jQuery .html() function, bypassing standard security mechanisms that would typically prevent such dangerous content from being rendered.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through DOM-based cross-site scripting attacks where an attacker can inject malicious JavaScript code into dialog boxes that appear to users. This happens because Bootbox.js intentionally avoids sanitizing input data, relying instead on developers to implement proper validation measures. When user input is passed directly to the library's dialog creation functions, the jQuery .html() method executes without proper escaping or sanitization, allowing attackers to inject script tags, event handlers, or other malicious content that gets executed in the victim's browser context. This particular implementation pattern violates fundamental security principles and creates a persistent threat vector within the application's user interface components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or session hijacking, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including credential theft, data exfiltration, and privilege escalation. Users interacting with the SimplCommerce application become potential victims of these attacks, particularly when they encounter dialog boxes that display user-generated content or administrative messages. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the client-side interface level, making it difficult to detect through traditional server-side security scanning tools. Attackers can craft payloads that appear legitimate within the application's interface, making the attack more convincing and harder to distinguish from normal application behavior. This creates a significant risk for e-commerce platforms where user trust and session integrity are paramount.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and sanitization measures at multiple layers of the application architecture. Organizations should immediately upgrade to patched versions of Bootbox.js or replace the library with alternatives that properly sanitize user input. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection by restricting the execution of inline scripts and limiting the sources from which scripts can be loaded. Developers should also implement proper output encoding for all user-supplied content before it is rendered in dialog boxes or other UI components. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and represents a clear violation of ATT&CK technique T1211, which involves manipulating applications to execute arbitrary code. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious patterns in user input that might indicate attempted exploitation of this vulnerability.