CVE-2023-52084 in Winter
Summary
by MITRE • 12/29/2023
Winter is a free, open-source content management system. Prior to 1.2.4, Users with access to backend forms that include a ColorPicker FormWidget can provide a value that would then be rendered unescaped in the backend form, potentially allowing for a stored XSS attack. This issue has been patched in v1.2.4.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/20/2024
Winter CMS represents a modern content management system built on the Laravel framework that has gained popularity among developers for its flexibility and extensibility. The vulnerability identified in versions prior to 1.2.4 specifically targets the ColorPicker FormWidget component within the backend administration interface. This particular form widget allows content editors and administrators to select colors through a graphical interface, which are then stored as values in the system's database. The flaw exists in how the system handles user input from this specific form element, creating a potential security risk that could be exploited by malicious actors with access to the backend.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms within the ColorPicker widget implementation. When users interact with the color picker interface and submit their selections, the system fails to properly escape or sanitize the input values before rendering them back within the backend forms. This creates a classic stored cross-site scripting scenario where malicious input can be persisted in the database and subsequently executed whenever the form is displayed to authorized users. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only access to backend forms with the ColorPicker widget, making it accessible to users with appropriate privileges who may not be fully trusted.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it could enable attackers to escalate their privileges within the system. An attacker with access to backend forms could potentially execute malicious JavaScript code that could steal session cookies, redirect users to phishing sites, or even modify content in ways that could compromise the entire website. The stored nature of the XSS means that the malicious payload would persist even after the initial submission, making it particularly dangerous as it could affect multiple users over time. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-79 which describes cross-site scripting flaws, and could be leveraged as part of a broader attack strategy that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter.
The fix implemented in version 1.2.4 addresses the core issue by ensuring proper input sanitization and output escaping of values from the ColorPicker FormWidget. This patch likely involves implementing stricter validation of user inputs and ensuring that any data rendered back into the backend interface is properly escaped to prevent script execution. Organizations using Winter CMS should immediately upgrade to version 1.2.4 or later to mitigate this risk, and security teams should conduct thorough audits of all backend form widgets to identify similar vulnerabilities that might exist in other components. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and monitoring for suspicious activities in backend interfaces can help detect potential exploitation attempts before they succeed.