CVE-2024-2245 in moziloCMS
Summary
by MITRE • 03/07/2024
Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability in moziloCMS version 2.0. By sending a POST request to the '/install.php' endpoint, a JavaScript payload could be executed in the 'username' parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/05/2025
This cross-site scripting vulnerability exists within moziloCMS version 2.0 and represents a critical security flaw that could enable remote code execution through web application manipulation. The vulnerability specifically manifests when a malicious user submits a POST request to the '/install.php' endpoint with a crafted JavaScript payload embedded within the 'username' parameter. This flaw allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further compromise of the affected system. The vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws where untrusted data is improperly incorporated into web pages without proper validation or sanitization. The attack vector requires the victim to interact with the vulnerable installation process, making this a server-side vulnerability that could be exploited during the initial setup phase of the content management system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic XSS flaw where input validation is insufficient during the installation process. When the application processes the username parameter without adequate sanitization or encoding, it directly incorporates the user-supplied data into the web response. This creates an environment where malicious scripts can be executed within the browser context of authenticated users or administrators who might be performing the installation. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it occurs during the installation phase, which is typically a time when security measures may be less stringent or when administrators are focused on completing the setup process rather than identifying potential security threats. According to ATT&CK framework, this represents a T1059.007 technique where adversaries leverage web application vulnerabilities to execute malicious code through scripting languages. The impact extends beyond simple script execution as it could enable attackers to establish persistent access or escalate privileges within the CMS environment.
The operational implications of this vulnerability are severe and multifaceted across multiple security domains. An attacker could potentially steal administrator session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or inject additional malicious content that could compromise the entire website. The vulnerability could be exploited by attackers who gain access to the installation interface or by those who manipulate the installation process through social engineering or other means. This flaw could also serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks, allowing adversaries to gain deeper access to the system or to compromise other applications that share the same domain or subdomain. The risk is compounded by the fact that many organizations may not immediately patch or update their CMS installations, leaving this vulnerability exposed for extended periods. Organizations using moziloCMS version 2.0 should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader security assessment that includes input validation, output encoding, and proper security hardening practices. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of implementing proper input sanitization and validation at all points where user data is processed, particularly during system initialization and configuration phases.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the affected version of moziloCMS to address the XSS flaw in the installation process. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms that prevent malicious scripts from being executed within the application context. The installation process should be secured with proper authentication and access controls to prevent unauthorized users from accessing the installation interface. Additionally, web application firewalls should be configured to detect and block suspicious POST requests containing potentially malicious payloads. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in installation requests or attempts to exploit this vulnerability. Organizations should also consider implementing content security policies that restrict script execution within the application context. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security updates and patch management processes, as well as the need for security awareness training for administrators who may inadvertently expose the system to exploitation. Proper logging and monitoring of installation activities can help detect potential exploitation attempts and provide forensic evidence for incident response activities.