CVE-2021-40973 in spotweb
Summary
by MITRE • 10/02/2021
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in templates/installer/step-004.inc.php in spotweb 1.5.1 and below allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the lastname parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/08/2021
The CVE-2021-40973 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in the spotweb 1.5.1 software and earlier versions. This vulnerability exists within the installer template file step-004.inc.php, which is part of the web application's installation process. The flaw specifically affects the handling of user input through the lastname parameter, creating an avenue for remote attackers to execute malicious web scripts or HTML code within the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability's presence in the installation phase of the application is particularly concerning as it could be exploited during the initial setup process when administrative credentials are being configured, potentially allowing attackers to compromise the entire installation environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization within the spotweb application's installer component. When the lastname parameter is processed through the step-004.inc.php template, the application fails to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before rendering it in the web page output. This lack of proper sanitization creates an XSS vector where attacker-controlled input can be injected directly into the HTML response. The vulnerability is classified as a reflected XSS attack since the malicious payload is executed when the victim's browser processes the crafted input parameter. This flaw directly aligns with CWE-79 which defines Cross-site Scripting as the failure to properly escape output, and it follows the ATT&CK technique T1203 for Exploitation for Credential Access, particularly relevant during installation phases where privileged credentials are handled.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-40973 extends beyond simple script injection, potentially enabling attackers to perform various malicious activities within the compromised environment. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious websites, deface the installation interface, or even escalate privileges if the installation process involves administrative functions. The vulnerability's location in the installer template makes it particularly dangerous as it could be exploited during the initial setup of the application, potentially allowing attackers to gain control over the entire spotweb installation process. This creates a window of opportunity for attackers to manipulate the installation configuration, inject backdoors, or establish persistent access points within the target environment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the spotweb application to version 1.5.2 or later where the XSS flaw has been addressed. Organizations should implement proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application, particularly in installer and administrative components where user input is processed. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional defense-in-depth measures to prevent execution of unauthorized scripts even if the primary vulnerability is not fully patched. Regular security assessments of web applications should include thorough examination of template files and installation processes, as these components often receive less security scrutiny than core application logic. Additionally, network monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious patterns in installer requests, particularly those containing encoded script payloads or unusual parameter combinations that may indicate exploitation attempts.