CVE-2023-43357 in CMS Made Simple
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
Cross Site Scripting vulnerability in CMSmadesimple v.2.2.18 allows a local attacker to execute arbitrary code via a crafted script to the Title parameter in the Manage Shortcuts component.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/05/2026
This cross site scripting vulnerability exists within CMSmadesimple version 2.2.18 within the Manage Shortcuts component where the Title parameter fails to properly sanitize user input. The flaw arises from insufficient validation and encoding of input data before it is rendered in the web interface, creating an avenue for malicious script execution. The vulnerability is classified as a local attack vector, meaning an attacker must already have access to the system or be able to inject malicious content through a legitimate user session. This represents a critical security gap in the application's input handling mechanisms that violates established security principles for preventing code injection attacks. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-79 which describes Cross-Site Scripting flaws where untrusted data is improperly incorporated into web pages without proper sanitization or encoding. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code within the context of the victim's browser session, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further exploitation of the CMS platform. The attack could be leveraged to escalate privileges or gain unauthorized access to sensitive administrative functions. The implications extend beyond simple XSS as this vulnerability could serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks that align with techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1566.001 for Phishing. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical skill and can be automated, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that do not maintain up-to-date security patches. Organizations using CMSmadesimple version 2.2.18 should immediately implement mitigations including input validation, output encoding, and proper sanitization of all user-supplied data. The recommended approach involves implementing Content Security Policy headers, using parameterized queries, and ensuring all user input undergoes strict validation before any rendering occurs. Additionally, regular security updates and patch management procedures should be enforced to prevent similar vulnerabilities from persisting in the system.
The vulnerability demonstrates a classic failure in the principle of least privilege where user input is not adequately filtered before being processed by the application. This weakness in input validation creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited by attackers who gain access to the application's administrative interface or who can manipulate the application's session management. The impact of this vulnerability extends to the entire CMS platform as it allows for potential privilege escalation and unauthorized access to sensitive data. Security teams should consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious input patterns, while also conducting regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input sanitization techniques and the necessity of following secure coding practices as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and other industry standards. Organizations should also consider implementing automated monitoring solutions that can detect unusual patterns of input or behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The attack surface for this vulnerability is particularly concerning given that CMS platforms often contain sensitive information and administrative functions that make them attractive targets for cybercriminals.