CVE-2023-36121 in e107
Summary
by MITRE • 08/02/2023
Cross Site Scripting vulnerability in e107 v.2.3.2 allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code via the description function in the SEO project.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/12/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-36121 represents a critical cross site scripting flaw within the e107 content management system version 2.3.2. This security weakness specifically targets the SEO project component of the platform, creating a pathway for remote attackers to inject malicious scripts into the web application. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization mechanisms within the description function, which fails to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before rendering it in web pages. This allows attackers to craft malicious payloads that can be executed in the context of other users' browsers when they view affected content.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the SEO project's description field, where attackers can inject malicious javascript code or other malicious scripts. When the affected web application processes and displays this malicious content without proper sanitization, the injected code executes in the victim's browser session. This creates a persistent threat vector that can be leveraged for session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The vulnerability is classified as a classic XSS attack pattern that aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross site scripting flaws in web applications. The attack chain typically involves the attacker submitting malicious input through the description function, which then gets stored and subsequently executed when legitimate users access the affected pages.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-36121 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable sophisticated attack vectors that compromise user sessions and potentially lead to full system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to steal cookies, session tokens, or personal information from authenticated users, creating a significant risk for organizations relying on the e107 platform for content management. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network presence, making it particularly dangerous for web applications exposed to public internet access. This flaw can also facilitate the deployment of more advanced attacks such as credential harvesting, data exfiltration, or the establishment of backdoors through the execution of malicious scripts in user browsers.
Organizations utilizing e107 version 2.3.2 should prioritize immediate remediation through the application of available security patches or updates provided by the e107 development team. The mitigation strategy should include comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent the injection and execution of malicious scripts. Security measures should also encompass regular security audits and monitoring of user-generated content to detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing proper content security policies and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection against similar vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1059.007 technique for scripting languages, while the CWE classification of CWE-79 emphasizes the need for robust input sanitization and output encoding to prevent cross site scripting attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing security awareness training for administrators and users to recognize potential indicators of exploitation attempts and maintain regular security updates to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.