CVE-2024-24807 in Sulu
Summary
by MITRE • 02/05/2024
Sulu is a highly extensible open-source PHP content management system based on the Symfony framework. There is an issue when inputting HTML into the Tag name. The HTML is executed when the tag name is listed in the auto complete form. Only admin users can create tags so they are the only ones affected. The problem is patched with version(s) 2.4.16 and 2.5.12.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/29/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2024-24807 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Sulu content management system that specifically targets the tag management functionality. This issue stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding when processing HTML content within tag names. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages the auto-complete feature to execute malicious scripts, creating a persistent threat vector that could be exploited by authenticated administrators. The flaw exists in the web application's handling of user-supplied data, where HTML characters are not properly sanitized before being rendered in the user interface context. Given that only administrative users can create tags, the attack surface is limited to privileged accounts, but the potential impact remains significant due to the elevated privileges these users possess. The vulnerability affects versions prior to 2.4.16 and 2.5.12, indicating that the Sulu development team has recognized and addressed this security gap through targeted patches.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which describes cross-site scripting flaws resulting from insufficient output escaping or encoding. In the context of Sulu's tag management system, the application fails to properly sanitize HTML characters when storing tag names, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of the victim's browser session. The auto-complete form serves as the primary attack vector, where the stored HTML content is rendered without appropriate security measures. This creates a scenario where an administrative user could inadvertently trigger the execution of malicious code simply by viewing the tag list or interacting with the auto-complete functionality. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of improper input validation and output encoding, where the application assumes that user input will be safe without implementing adequate sanitization measures. The attack requires administrative privileges to exploit, but the potential for privilege escalation or data theft remains high given the administrative context.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-24807 extends beyond simple script execution, as it represents a potential pathway for attackers to gain deeper access to the content management system and potentially compromise the entire web application. When administrative users interact with the tag management interface, the malicious HTML content could execute scripts that steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform unauthorized actions within the CMS. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers scripting through web shell execution, as the stored HTML content could potentially be used to establish persistent access. Organizations using affected versions of Sulu face significant risk, particularly in environments where administrative accounts are compromised or where attackers can gain access to administrative privileges through other means. The vulnerability's impact is further amplified by the fact that it affects core CMS functionality, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate content, modify user permissions, or extract sensitive data from the system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-24807 primarily involve immediate deployment of the patched versions 2.4.16 and 2.5.12, which contain the necessary security fixes to address the HTML sanitization issue. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their Sulu installations to identify and remediate any existing malicious tags that may have been created prior to patching. Network monitoring and intrusion detection systems should be configured to detect unusual administrative activities or attempts to create tags with suspicious content. The security community should implement proper input validation at multiple layers, including client-side and server-side sanitization, to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls and content security policies to provide additional protection against cross-site scripting attacks. Regular security audits and penetration testing of the CMS environment should be conducted to identify and address potential vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors. The incident also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and the need for thorough security testing of all user-input handling mechanisms within web applications.