CVE-2021-36646 in KodExplorer
Summary
by MITRE • 09/06/2023
A Cross Site Scrtpting (XSS) vulnerability in KodExplorer 4.45 allows remote attackers to run arbitrary code via /index.php page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/02/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2021-36646 represents a critical cross site scripting flaw in KodExplorer version 4.45 that exposes the application to remote code execution attacks. This vulnerability exists within the application's handling of user input on the index.php page, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary scripts in the context of other users' browsers. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before rendering it within the web application's response.
This XSS vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross Site Scripting, specifically manifesting as a reflected XSS attack vector where malicious payloads are injected through the application's main entry point. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by its location within the core index.php page, which serves as the primary interface for user interactions and authentication processes. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious URLs containing script payloads that, when executed, can hijack user sessions, steal sensitive information, or redirect victims to malicious websites. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple script execution as it can potentially enable more sophisticated attacks such as credential theft or privilege escalation within the application's security boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations utilizing KodExplorer 4.45, as it creates an attack surface that can be leveraged for persistent threats against end users. Remote attackers can craft malicious links that, when clicked by authenticated users, execute scripts that may access session cookies, capture keystrokes, or manipulate the application's functionality. The reflected nature of this XSS vulnerability means that the malicious payload must be delivered to the victim through external means such as email phishing campaigns, compromised websites, or social engineering tactics. This attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for Initial Access through Spearphishing Attachment and T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter using JavaScript.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and output encoding controls to prevent malicious script injection, while also considering the implementation of Content Security Policy headers to restrict script execution. The recommended remediation involves updating KodExplorer to a patched version that properly sanitizes user input and implements proper context-aware output encoding for all dynamic content. Additionally, security headers such as X-Content-Type-Options and X-Frame-Options should be configured to provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect and prevent suspicious traffic patterns associated with XSS exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in web applications and highlights how seemingly minor flaws in data handling can create significant security risks across the entire application ecosystem.