CVE-2024-12844 in Emlog Pro
Summary
by MITRE • 12/20/2024
A vulnerability classified as problematic has been found in Emlog Pro up to 2.4.1. Affected is an unknown function of the file /admin/store.php. The manipulation of the argument tag leads to cross site scripting. It is possible to launch the attack remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/16/2025
This vulnerability resides within Emlog Pro version 2.4.1 and earlier, specifically targeting the administrative interface component located at /admin/store.php. The issue manifests through improper input validation and sanitization of the tag parameter, creating a persistent cross-site scripting vulnerability that can be exploited remotely by attackers. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into the administrative panel, potentially compromising the entire system. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, specifically representing a reflected XSS variant that can persist in the application's data storage. The attack vector requires no authentication for exploitation, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by anyone with access to the vulnerable system. The vulnerability is classified as remotely exploitable, meaning attackers can initiate the attack from external networks without requiring physical access to the server infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied input within the tag parameter of the store.php administrative script. When administrators or users interact with the affected functionality, the application fails to properly escape or validate the tag argument before processing or displaying it within the web interface. This oversight allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or further compromise of the administrative environment. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple script execution as it can be used to manipulate the application's administrative functions, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The attack chain typically involves crafting malicious payloads that are then stored and executed when the affected page is accessed by administrators or other authenticated users, making this a particularly insidious threat vector.
The operational impact of this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations using Emlog Pro, as it can enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to administrative controls and potentially escalate privileges within the application. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized content modification, data exfiltration, or complete system takeover. The vulnerability's public disclosure status increases the likelihood of active exploitation, as threat actors can readily access the attack methodology without requiring specialized knowledge or development time. Organizations running affected versions of Emlog Pro face immediate security risk, as the vulnerability can be exploited without requiring any privileged access or complex attack chains. The persistent nature of the XSS vulnerability means that once exploited, malicious payloads can continue to affect users until the vulnerability is patched and the malicious content is removed from the system's data stores.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of the affected Emlog Pro versions to address the root cause of the vulnerability. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding measures to prevent similar issues in the future, following established security practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and the ATT&CK framework's defensive techniques. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and content security policies should be deployed to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues across the organization's web applications. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and monitoring mechanisms can help detect anomalous activities that may indicate exploitation attempts, while regular security training for administrators can help prevent social engineering attacks that might leverage this vulnerability. The vulnerability's classification as a persistent XSS threat underscores the importance of comprehensive security measures that address both the immediate patching requirements and long-term defensive strategies.