CVE-2023-1212 in phpipam
Summary
by MITRE • 03/07/2023
Cross-site Scripting (XSS) - Stored in GitHub repository phpipam/phpipam prior to v1.5.2.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/11/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-1212 represents a stored cross-site scripting flaw within the phpipam network management application. This issue affects versions prior to v1.5.2 and specifically impacts the repository management functionality where user-supplied input is not properly sanitized before being rendered in web pages. The vulnerability exists in the way the application processes and displays data entered by users, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to inject persistent malicious scripts into the application's database. When other users access pages containing this stored malicious content, the scripts execute in their browsers, potentially compromising their sessions and enabling unauthorized actions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the phpipam codebase. The flaw allows attackers to inject malicious javascript code through various input fields that are subsequently stored in the database and displayed without proper sanitization. This stored XSS vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited by authenticated users with appropriate privileges to manipulate data within the system. The vulnerability is classified as CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which is a fundamental weakness in web application security that directly enables XSS attacks. According to ATT&CK framework, this represents a technique categorized under T1059.007 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, where adversaries leverage client-side script execution to compromise user sessions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or defacement, as it can enable session hijacking, credential theft, and privilege escalation within the affected network management environment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can potentially gain access to sensitive network information, manipulate IP address allocations, and compromise the integrity of the entire network management system. The stored nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious payload persists even after the initial injection, making it particularly dangerous as it can affect multiple users over extended periods. Organizations using phpipam for critical network infrastructure management face significant risk, as this vulnerability could be exploited to undermine network security controls and potentially enable lateral movement within the network.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-1212 involve immediate upgrading to phpipam version 1.5.2 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the stored XSS vulnerability. Organizations should also implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly sanitized before database storage. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual data injection patterns, while security headers such as Content Security Policy should be implemented to provide additional defense-in-depth. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and ensure proper security controls are in place. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation and output encoding in web applications, as these fundamental security measures are essential for preventing a wide range of injection-based attacks including XSS, SQL injection, and command injection.