CVE-2023-43878 in Rite
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
Rite CMS 3.0 has Multiple Cross-Site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities that allow attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted payload into the Main Menu Items in the Administration Menu.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/08/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-43878 affects Rite CMS version 3.0 and represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw that resides within the administration interface of the content management system. This vulnerability specifically targets the Main Menu Items functionality within the Administration Menu, creating a pathway for attackers to inject malicious scripts that can be executed in the context of other users' browsers. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before rendering it within the web application's interface. This allows threat actors to craft malicious payloads that can persist in the menu items and subsequently execute when other users navigate to the affected administrative sections.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which categorizes cross-site scripting as a weakness where untrusted data is improperly incorporated into web pages without proper validation or encoding. The attack vector specifically exploits the administrative menu system where legitimate users with access privileges are unknowingly exposed to malicious scripts that execute in their browser context. When administrators or other authorized users interact with the compromised menu items, the malicious code executes with the privileges of the victim user, potentially leading to session hijacking, privilege escalation, or data exfiltration. The vulnerability's persistence in the main menu items means that the malicious payload remains active until manually removed from the system, creating a continuous threat vector.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the CMS environment. Attackers can leverage the XSS vulnerability to steal administrative sessions, modify content, or redirect users to malicious sites that can harvest credentials or deploy additional malware. The compromise of the administration menu items creates a persistent threat that can affect multiple users who access the CMS, as the malicious scripts execute whenever users navigate to the affected interface sections. This vulnerability undermines the integrity of the CMS administration interface and can lead to complete system compromise if attackers can escalate privileges through the stolen sessions or by exploiting additional vulnerabilities within the application.
Organizations utilizing Rite CMS 3.0 should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and output encoding controls that sanitize all user-supplied data before rendering it within the administrative interface. The recommended approach involves implementing proper HTML escaping and context-appropriate encoding for all dynamic content within menu items and other user-editable fields. Security measures should include content security policy implementation to prevent unauthorized script execution, regular input validation checks, and mandatory sanitization of all administrative inputs. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls with XSS detection capabilities can provide an additional layer of protection. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security updates and patch management practices, as this flaw represents a preventable issue that could have been addressed through proper input validation mechanisms. Organizations should consider implementing privilege separation and role-based access controls to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities, ensuring that administrative functions are not exposed to untrusted input without proper sanitization controls in place.
This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation within content management systems, particularly in administrative interfaces where privileged users interact with potentially untrusted data. The attack surface created by this flaw extends beyond simple XSS execution to encompass potential privilege escalation and session hijacking scenarios. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1566 (Phishing) and T1071.001 (Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols) as attackers can leverage the XSS to redirect users to malicious sites or manipulate web application behavior. The persistent nature of the vulnerability in menu items also aligns with ATT&CK's T1547.009 (Cloud Infrastructure) and T1546.008 (Rundll32) techniques that involve maintaining access through persistent modifications to system interfaces. Organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their CMS environments, particularly focusing on administrative interfaces where user input is processed and rendered without proper sanitization controls.