CVE-2021-3799 in grav-plugin-admin
Summary
by MITRE • 09/27/2021
grav-plugin-admin is vulnerable to Improper Restriction of Rendered UI Layers or Frames
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/02/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-3799 affects the grav-plugin-admin component and represents a critical security flaw in the improper restriction of rendered UI layers or frames. This issue resides within the administrative interface of the Grav content management system, where the plugin fails to adequately validate or sanitize user-provided input that influences the rendering of web interface elements. The vulnerability stems from insufficient controls over how HTML content is processed and displayed within the administrative dashboard, creating potential attack vectors that could be exploited by malicious actors to manipulate the user interface in unintended ways.
The technical nature of this vulnerability allows attackers to potentially inject malicious content into UI layers or frames through crafted input that bypasses normal validation mechanisms. When the administrative plugin processes user-supplied data for rendering within the dashboard interface, it does not properly enforce restrictions on the types of content that can be displayed or executed within the UI layers. This flaw enables attackers to manipulate the visual presentation of the admin interface, potentially leading to cross-site scripting attacks, UI redressing, or other interface-based exploits. The vulnerability specifically impacts the rendering process of administrative components where user input directly influences the display logic, creating opportunities for attackers to inject malicious scripts or alter the appearance of interface elements.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple visual manipulation to potentially enable more severe security consequences within the Grav administration environment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain unauthorized access to sensitive administrative functions, manipulate the display of critical system information, or redirect users to malicious content through compromised UI elements. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the administrative interface typically contains privileged information and controls that should remain protected from unauthorized manipulation. This vulnerability could facilitate privilege escalation attacks or serve as a stepping stone for more comprehensive system compromise, especially when combined with other vulnerabilities present in the Grav ecosystem.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-3799 should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the grav-plugin-admin component. Security measures must include strict enforcement of content security policies that prevent unauthorized script execution within UI layers, proper escaping of user-provided data before rendering, and comprehensive validation of all input that influences interface rendering. Organizations should ensure that the plugin is updated to the latest version that addresses this vulnerability, while also implementing additional defensive measures such as web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious UI rendering patterns. The remediation process should also include comprehensive testing of the administrative interface to verify that all user-provided content is properly sanitized and that UI layer restrictions are effectively enforced. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and may map to ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation through interface manipulation and credential access through UI-based attacks.