CVE-2023-48749 in Salient Core Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 11/30/2023
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Theme nectar Salient Core allows Stored XSS.This issue affects Salient Core: from n/a through 2.0.2.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/17/2023
This vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in the Theme nectar Salient Core web application framework that enables stored malicious script execution. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization during web page generation processes, specifically when handling user-supplied data that gets embedded into web pages without proper neutralization. The flaw allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that persist in the application's database or storage mechanisms, making them executable whenever affected pages are rendered to other users. This stored XSS vulnerability particularly impacts the Salient Core framework version range from an unspecified beginning through version 2.0.2, indicating a widespread exposure across multiple iterations of the platform. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which categorizes cross-site scripting as a fundamental web application security weakness, while also mapping to ATT&CK technique T1531 which focuses on manipulation of web applications to execute malicious code. The security implications extend beyond simple script injection as this vulnerability can facilitate session hijacking, data theft, and further lateral movement within compromised environments.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when user input intended for display in web pages is not properly sanitized before being stored and subsequently rendered. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that include script tags or other executable code which gets stored in the application's database or content management system. When legitimate users access pages containing this stored malicious content, the scripts execute in their browsers, potentially stealing cookies, session tokens, or other sensitive information. The persistence aspect of this vulnerability makes it particularly dangerous as the malicious code remains active until manually removed from the system, allowing attackers to maintain access over extended periods. The vulnerability affects the core web generation functionality of the Salient framework, suggesting that any user-facing input field or content management component could serve as an attack vector. This type of vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation at multiple layers within web applications, as the failure to properly sanitize data at the point of storage creates a persistent security risk.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate data compromise to include potential system-wide infiltration and long-term security degradation. Organizations utilizing affected versions of the Salient Core framework face risks of unauthorized access to sensitive user data, including personal information, authentication credentials, and potentially confidential business data. The stored nature of the vulnerability means that even users who are not directly targeted by the initial attack can become victims when they view compromised pages, creating a propagation effect that can rapidly expand the attack surface. This vulnerability particularly affects content management systems and web applications where user-generated content is common, making it a significant concern for websites that rely on user interaction or content submission. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to establish persistent backdoors or deploy additional malicious tools, as the execution environment provides access to the victim's browser context and potentially network resources. Security teams must consider this vulnerability as a potential entry point for more sophisticated attacks, including credential theft, privilege escalation, and data exfiltration operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should encompass immediate patching of affected systems to the latest available versions of the Salient Core framework where the XSS flaw has been addressed. Organizations must implement comprehensive input validation and sanitization mechanisms at all points where user data enters the application, ensuring that all content undergoes proper neutralization before being stored or rendered. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection against script execution, while regular security audits and penetration testing should identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the web application stack. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect and respond to suspicious activities related to script injection attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to filter malicious payloads before they can reach the application servers. Regular security training for developers regarding secure coding practices, particularly around input handling and output encoding, is essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future development cycles. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that protect against multiple attack vectors simultaneously.