CVE-2021-33988 in Microweber
Summary
by MITRE • 10/19/2021
Cross Site Scripting (XSS). vulnerability exists in Microweber CMS 1.2.7 via the Login form, which could let a malicious user execute Javascript by Inserting code in the request form.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/23/2021
The CVE-2021-33988 vulnerability represents a critical cross site scripting flaw discovered in Microweber CMS version 1.2.7 that specifically targets the login form functionality. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security flaws. The vulnerability allows malicious actors to inject malicious javascript code through the login form parameters, potentially compromising user sessions and enabling unauthorized access to sensitive system resources. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it leverages the authentication process, which is a fundamental and frequently used component of any web application.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the Microweber CMS fails to properly sanitize or escape user input submitted through the login form. When a malicious user submits crafted javascript code within the login form fields, the application processes this input without adequate validation or sanitization measures. This allows the malicious script to be executed in the context of the victim's browser when the application renders the login page or processes the authentication request. The vulnerability exists due to insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the CMS's authentication handling code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform session hijacking, steal user credentials, redirect victims to malicious websites, or even execute more sophisticated attacks such as credential theft through keylogging scripts. The login form represents a high-value target because it is frequently accessed by legitimate users, making it an ideal vector for widespread exploitation. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to compromise user accounts, potentially leading to full system compromise if administrative accounts are targeted. The vulnerability also poses risks to the application's integrity and can be used to deface the website or manipulate user data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-33988 should prioritize immediate patching of the Microweber CMS to version 1.2.8 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding measures, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly sanitized before processing. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection against script execution, while proper input validation should be enforced at multiple layers of the application architecture. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components, following the principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and MITRE ATT&CK framework for web application security. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious input patterns can provide defense-in-depth measures against exploitation attempts.