CVE-2024-25166 in 71CMS
Summary
by MITRE • 02/27/2024
Cross Site Scripting vulnerability in 71CMS v.1.0.0 allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code via the uploadfile action parameter in the controller.php file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/18/2025
The CVE-2024-25166 vulnerability represents a critical cross site scripting flaw discovered in the 71CMS version 1.0.0 content management system. This vulnerability specifically affects the controller.php file where the uploadfile action parameter is processed without adequate input validation or sanitization measures. The flaw creates an exploitable condition that enables remote attackers to inject malicious scripts into the web application, potentially compromising user sessions and data integrity. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of user-supplied input parameters, allowing attackers to manipulate the uploadfile action to execute unauthorized code within the context of the victim's browser.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a classic XSS attack pattern where malicious payloads are injected through the uploadfile parameter in the controller.php file. When the application processes this parameter without proper sanitization, it fails to validate the input against a comprehensive set of security checks. The flaw manifests when the application accepts file upload requests and subsequently processes the uploadfile action parameter without implementing adequate security controls. This creates a pathway for attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code that executes in the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further exploitation of the web application. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications. The attack vector operates through the web interface where the upload functionality is exposed, making it accessible to remote adversaries without requiring authentication or privileged access to the system.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-25166 extends beyond simple script execution, potentially enabling attackers to establish persistent access to the affected system. Successful exploitation could allow threat actors to manipulate content, steal user credentials, access sensitive data, or redirect users to malicious websites. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target network or system. This characteristic significantly increases the attack surface and makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in production environments. Organizations running 71CMS v.1.0.0 are at risk of having their web applications compromised, potentially leading to data breaches, service disruption, or reputational damage. The vulnerability may also enable attackers to use the compromised system as a launchpad for further attacks against internal networks or other connected systems, creating a broader security impact beyond the initial exploitation point.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-25166 should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding controls within the controller.php file. Organizations must immediately apply patches or updates provided by the 71CMS vendor to address the vulnerability. Input validation should be strengthened to reject any malicious payloads that attempt to exploit the uploadfile parameter, while output encoding should ensure that all user-supplied content is properly escaped before being rendered in web pages. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. Security teams should also implement regular security assessments and code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the web application. The remediation process should include disabling unnecessary file upload functionality where possible, implementing proper file type validation, and establishing secure coding practices that prevent XSS vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege for file upload operations and regularly monitor system logs for suspicious activity related to file upload operations, as outlined in the ATT&CK framework's techniques for command and control operations.