CVE-2020-35328 in Courier Management System
Summary
by MITRE
Courier Management System 1.0 - 'First Name' Stored XSS
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/07/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-35328 affects the Courier Management System version 1.0 and represents a stored cross-site scripting flaw in the 'First Name' field handling. This vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that persist in the application's database and execute whenever the affected data is rendered to users. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the system's user management functionality where first names are collected and stored. When administrators or other users view the stored data, the malicious scripts execute in their browsers, potentially leading to unauthorized actions or data theft.
This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting and specifically represents a stored XSS variant where the malicious payload is permanently stored on the server and executed during subsequent page requests. The attack vector requires an authenticated user to submit malicious input through the first name field, which then gets stored in the database and displayed in various user interfaces throughout the application. The persistence of this flaw makes it particularly dangerous as it can affect multiple users without requiring repeated exploitation attempts. The vulnerability enables attackers to perform actions such as session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites, as outlined in the ATT&CK framework's technique T1531 for account access and T1566 for credential access through social engineering.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can provide attackers with a foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the system. When combined with other vulnerabilities or used in conjunction with phishing campaigns, attackers can leverage the stored XSS to escalate privileges, access sensitive data, or compromise the entire application. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of user data, potentially leading to unauthorized access to courier records, delivery information, and customer details. Organizations using this system may face regulatory compliance issues and reputational damage if the vulnerability is exploited, as it represents a fundamental flaw in the application's security architecture.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application. The system must sanitize all user inputs, particularly those that are stored and subsequently displayed, using proper encoding techniques such as HTML entity encoding for output contexts. Input validation should enforce strict character set restrictions and length limitations for the first name field while maintaining proper sanitization processes. The application should implement Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution and prevent unauthorized code injection. Additionally, regular security testing including automated scanning and manual penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other input fields and application components. Implementation of proper access controls and monitoring for unusual data submissions can further reduce the risk of exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and regular security updates to address similar vulnerabilities that may exist in the underlying framework or libraries used by the courier management system.