CVE-2023-44812 in mooSocial
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
Cross Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in mooSocial v.3.1.8 allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code via a crafted payload to the admin_redirect_url parameter of the user login function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/28/2023
The CVE-2023-44812 vulnerability represents a critical cross site scripting flaw within mooSocial version 3.1.8 that exposes the application to remote code execution risks through improper input validation. This vulnerability specifically targets the admin_redirect_url parameter within the user login function, creating an attack vector that allows malicious actors to inject malicious scripts into the application's response. The flaw stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied input, enabling attackers to manipulate the redirect functionality and potentially gain unauthorized access to administrative interfaces or execute arbitrary code within the context of a victim's browser session.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which defines cross site scripting as the failure to properly neutralize user input data within the application's output. The flaw operates by accepting unsanitized input through the admin_redirect_url parameter and subsequently rendering it without proper encoding or validation mechanisms. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that, when processed by the vulnerable application, result in script execution within the victim's browser context. This particular implementation demonstrates a classic reflected XSS pattern where the malicious input is immediately reflected back to the user without proper sanitization, making it particularly dangerous for administrative functions that require elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution to potentially compromise entire administrative sessions and user accounts. When exploited, the XSS payload can hijack user sessions, redirect administrators to malicious sites, or harvest sensitive authentication tokens. The vulnerability's location within the user login function makes it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged to escalate privileges or gain unauthorized access to administrative controls. Attackers may also use this vulnerability to establish persistent access through session hijacking techniques or to perform further reconnaissance within the application's administrative interface. The attack surface is amplified by the fact that this vulnerability affects the core authentication mechanism, potentially allowing for complete system compromise if successful exploitation occurs.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-44812 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected mooSocial version to the latest available release that addresses the XSS vulnerability. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent malicious payloads from being processed through the admin_redirect_url parameter. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection against script execution, while regular security audits should verify that all user-supplied input is properly sanitized before being processed or rendered. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect anomalous login patterns or suspicious redirect attempts. Additionally, implementing multi-factor authentication and role-based access controls can limit the potential impact if the vulnerability is successfully exploited, while regular security training for administrators can help identify and respond to potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of adhering to secure coding practices as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework, particularly focusing on input validation and output encoding controls to prevent similar issues in future development cycles.