CVE-2021-35265 in MaxSite
Summary
by MITRE • 08/03/2021
A reflected cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in MaxSite CMS before V106 via product/page/* allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script to a page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/07/2021
The vulnerability CVE-2021-35265 represents a critical reflected cross-site scripting flaw discovered in MaxSite CMS versions prior to V106. This vulnerability exists within the product/page/* URL routing mechanism, creating an exploitable entry point where malicious actors can inject arbitrary web scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization within the content management system's handling of URL parameters, specifically those related to page routing and product display functionality.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to craft malicious URLs containing script payloads that are then reflected back to users browsing the affected pages. When a victim clicks on such a crafted link or navigates to a page containing the reflected script, the malicious code executes in the victim's browser context, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The vulnerability is classified as reflected XSS under CWE-79, which specifically addresses the improper handling of untrusted data in web applications. This weakness enables attackers to inject client-side scripts that can manipulate the victim's browser environment and compromise user security.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with a vector for more sophisticated attacks within the MaxSite CMS ecosystem. Attackers can leverage this flaw to steal user sessions, modify page content, redirect users to phishing sites, or even escalate privileges within the CMS if proper access controls are not in place. The reflected nature of the vulnerability means that attackers do not need persistent access to the server; they can exploit the flaw through social engineering or by crafting malicious URLs that users are tricked into clicking. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently interact with external links or where the CMS is used in collaborative or public-facing contexts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-35265 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the MaxSite CMS application. Organizations should upgrade to version V106 or later where the vulnerability has been patched, and implement comprehensive web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious script injection attempts. Additionally, developers should apply context-specific output encoding to all user-supplied data before rendering it in web pages, particularly in URL parameters and form fields. The remediation process should include implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution sources and conducting regular security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1531 which focuses on establishing persistence through malicious code injection, highlighting the need for comprehensive application security measures. Organizations should also implement user education programs to prevent social engineering attacks that could exploit this vulnerability, as the reflected nature makes it particularly susceptible to phishing campaigns that trick users into visiting malicious URLs.