CVE-2023-43340 in Evolution
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in evolution v.3.2.3 allows a local attacker to execute arbitrary code via a crafted payload injected into the cmsadmin, cmsadminemail, cmspassword and cmspasswordconfim parameters
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/27/2025
This cross-site scripting vulnerability exists within the evolution content management system version 3.2.3 and represents a critical security flaw that enables local attackers to execute arbitrary code through malicious payload injection. The vulnerability specifically targets four parameters within the cmsadmin, cmsadminemail, cmspassword, and cmspasswordconfirm fields, creating an attack surface that allows persistent XSS exploitation. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the application's user management interface, where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into web responses without proper sanitization. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that, when processed by the vulnerable system, execute within the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or full system compromise. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which categorizes cross-site scripting flaws as weaknesses in input validation and output encoding, and it maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter usage. The impact is particularly severe for local attackers who already have access to the system, as they can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and maintain persistent access. The vulnerability affects the authentication and user management components of the evolution CMS, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate user accounts, inject malicious scripts, or redirect users to malicious sites. The exploitation process involves injecting malicious JavaScript code into the vulnerable parameters, which then executes in the context of authenticated users browsing the administration interface. This creates a persistent threat vector that can be leveraged for extended attacks, including data exfiltration, privilege escalation, and lateral movement within the compromised environment. Organizations using evolution v.3.2.3 should immediately implement input validation measures, output encoding, and parameterized queries to prevent malicious data from being executed as code. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and monitoring for suspicious parameter values can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices in web applications, particularly in authentication and user management modules where insufficient input validation can lead to severe security implications. Security teams should prioritize patching this vulnerability and conducting comprehensive security assessments of all CMS components to identify similar weaknesses. The presence of this vulnerability in a content management system highlights the need for robust security controls in web applications, as these platforms often serve as primary attack vectors for broader network compromise attempts. This issue underscores the necessity of regular security updates, proper code review processes, and adherence to secure development practices to prevent such vulnerabilities from being introduced into production systems. The exploitation of this flaw can result in complete system compromise, making it essential for organizations to address this vulnerability through immediate patching or implementation of compensating controls.