CVE-2020-36395 in LavaLite
Summary
by MITRE • 07/03/2021
A stored cross site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the /admin/user/team component of LavaLite 5.8.0 allows authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML via a crafted payload entered into the "New" parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/09/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-36395 represents a critical stored cross site scripting flaw within the LavaLite content management system version 5.8.0. This security weakness specifically targets the administrative user team management component, creating a persistent threat vector that can be exploited by authenticated attackers who possess legitimate user credentials. The vulnerability exists in the handling of user input within the "New" parameter, which fails to properly sanitize or validate data before storing and subsequently rendering it within the web interface. This flaw enables attackers to inject malicious scripts that persist in the system and execute automatically whenever the affected page is accessed by other users.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the LavaLite administrative framework. When an authenticated user submits data through the team management interface using the "New" parameter, the application does not adequately filter or escape special characters that could be interpreted as HTML or JavaScript code. This failure in data sanitization creates an environment where malicious payloads can be stored in the application's database and later executed in the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability is classified as stored XSS because the malicious code is permanently stored within the application's backend and executed during subsequent page requests rather than requiring a single interaction.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities within the compromised environment. An attacker could potentially steal session cookies, redirect users to phishing sites, modify user permissions, or even escalate privileges within the administrative interface. The persistence of the stored payload means that the attack remains effective until the malicious code is manually removed from the system, potentially allowing extended periods of unauthorized access and data exfiltration. This vulnerability particularly threatens organizations relying on LavaLite for content management, as it could compromise the integrity of user data and administrative functions.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross site scripting flaws in software applications. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers can leverage stored XSS to execute arbitrary code through web browsers. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, output encoding, and proper parameter sanitization within the affected component. The most effective defense involves implementing Content Security Policy headers, employing proper HTML escaping mechanisms, and conducting regular security audits of input handling components. Additionally, users should be encouraged to maintain updated versions of LavaLite and apply security patches promptly to prevent exploitation of this and similar vulnerabilities.