CVE-2024-6539 in SpringBootCMS
Summary
by MITRE • 07/08/2024
A vulnerability classified as problematic has been found in heyewei SpringBootCMS up to 2024-05-28. Affected is an unknown function of the file /guestbook of the component Guestbook Handler. The manipulation of the argument Content 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. VDB-270450 is the identifier assigned to this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/13/2026
This vulnerability resides within the heyewei SpringBootCMS platform, specifically targeting the guestbook component's handling mechanism. The issue manifests in the /guestbook file where the Guestbook Handler processes user input through the Content argument. This represents a classic cross-site scripting vulnerability that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The vulnerability affects versions up to and including 2024-05-28, indicating a significant window of exposure for affected systems. The flaw is particularly concerning as it enables remote exploitation without requiring any special privileges or authentication, making it accessible to any attacker with knowledge of the target system's structure.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications. The vulnerability occurs when user-supplied content is not properly sanitized or encoded before being rendered in web pages, creating an opportunity for malicious script execution. In the context of the SpringBootCMS guestbook functionality, when users submit comments or entries through the Content field, the application fails to adequately validate or escape the input data. This allows an attacker to craft malicious payloads that execute in the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The remote exploitability aspect means that attackers can trigger this vulnerability from any location without needing physical access to the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, potentially compromising the integrity and confidentiality of user data within the CMS environment. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to steal session cookies, which would enable them to impersonate legitimate users and gain unauthorized access to administrative functions. The guestbook component typically serves as a public-facing interface where users can leave messages or feedback, making it an ideal vector for delivering malicious payloads to unsuspecting visitors. Additionally, the vulnerability could be used to deface the website, redirect users to phishing sites, or establish persistent backdoors within the application. Given that the exploit has been publicly disclosed, the risk of exploitation is significantly elevated, as malicious actors can readily implement the attack without requiring advanced technical skills.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate input validation and output encoding measures to prevent malicious content from being executed. Organizations should implement proper sanitization of all user inputs, particularly those destined for display in web interfaces. The recommended approach involves applying strict content validation rules that reject or escape potentially dangerous characters and script tags. Additionally, implementing a Content Security Policy (CSP) header can provide an additional layer of protection by restricting the sources from which scripts can be loaded. System administrators should also consider upgrading to the latest version of the heyewei SpringBootCMS platform where this vulnerability has been addressed. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of keeping all web application components updated and implementing proper security monitoring to detect and respond to exploitation attempts. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1566.001 (Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment) and T1584.002 (Compromise Infrastructure: Domains), as attackers can use the XSS vulnerability to deliver malicious payloads to users and potentially establish persistent access through compromised guestbook entries.