CVE-2023-3196 in Canopsis
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
This vulnerability could allow an attacker to store a malicious JavaScript payload in the login footer and login page description parameters within the administration panel.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/21/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical server-side request forgery and cross-site scripting weakness that enables attackers to inject malicious javascript code into the login interface of affected applications. The flaw exists within the administrative panel's input validation mechanisms, specifically in how the system processes and stores user-supplied data for login footer and login page description parameters. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious payloads that get stored in these configurable fields, which are then executed when users access the login page or interact with the footer content. The vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of user inputs and failure to properly escape or validate content before persistent storage, creating a persistent cross-site scripting vector that can affect all users who encounter the compromised login interface.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2023-3196 follows a pattern consistent with CWE-79 - Cross-site Scripting and CWE-917 - Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an Expression Context, where unvalidated user input flows directly into the application's output rendering. This allows threat actors to execute arbitrary javascript code in the context of authenticated users' browsers, potentially enabling session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data exfiltration as it provides attackers with a foothold to manipulate the authentication interface itself, potentially creating a persistent backdoor or enabling more sophisticated attacks like credential stuffing or phishing within the legitimate application context.
The operational implications of this vulnerability are severe for organizations relying on affected applications, as it creates a persistent threat vector that can remain active for extended periods. Once exploited, attackers can monitor user interactions, harvest session cookies, or redirect users to malicious domains while maintaining the appearance of legitimate application behavior. The attack surface expands significantly since the vulnerability affects the login interface itself, which is typically a high-traffic area where users frequently interact with the application. This creates opportunities for widespread impact, as every login attempt provides an opportunity for exploitation, and the malicious payload executes automatically without requiring additional user interaction beyond accessing the compromised login page.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including comprehensive input validation and output encoding for all user-supplied content in administrative parameters, implementing strict content security policies to prevent script execution, and conducting thorough audit of all stored login-related content. The remediation strategy should align with ATT&CK technique T1548.002 - Abuse Elevation Control Mechanism and T1133 - External Remote Services, as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access through compromised authentication interfaces. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious payload patterns, establishing monitoring for unusual content modifications in administrative panels, and conducting regular security assessments of all configurable user input fields within administrative interfaces to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components.