CVE-2025-28010 in MODX
Summary
by MITRE • 03/13/2025
A cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability has been identified in MODX prior to 3.1.0. The vulnerability allows authenticated users to upload SVG files containing malicious JavaScript code as profile images, which gets executed in victims' browsers when viewing the profile image.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/13/2025
This cross-site scripting vulnerability in MODX affects versions prior to 3.1.0 and represents a critical security flaw that undermines the platform's user authentication and input validation mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically targets the profile image upload functionality, where authenticated users can exploit a lack of proper sanitization to upload SVG files containing embedded malicious javascript code. This flaw falls under CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which is a fundamental weakness in web application security where user-supplied data is not properly escaped or validated before being rendered in web pages. The vulnerability operates through a classic server-side file upload validation bypass where the application fails to adequately inspect or sanitize the content of uploaded files, particularly SVG images which are often treated with less scrutiny than other file types due to their perceived safety.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it enables attackers to leverage authenticated user sessions to perform malicious actions across the entire MODX platform. When victims view profile images containing the malicious SVG code, the embedded javascript executes in their browser context, potentially leading to session hijacking, data exfiltration, or further exploitation of the application. This attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires only authenticated access to the system, meaning that any user with valid credentials can upload malicious content that affects all other users who view their profiles. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 - Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment, where the malicious payload is delivered through legitimate user profile images, making it more likely to be trusted by end users. The attack chain typically begins with an authenticated user uploading a crafted SVG file, which is then stored on the server without proper validation, and finally executed when other users view the compromised profile page.
Organizations using affected MODX versions should immediately implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability. The primary mitigation involves upgrading to MODX version 3.1.0 or later, which includes proper input sanitization and file validation mechanisms for SVG uploads. Additional protective measures include implementing Content Security Policy headers that restrict script execution from profile image contexts, configuring server-side file type validation that examines the actual content of uploaded files rather than relying solely on file extensions, and implementing proper input sanitization for all user-generated content. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of defense-in-depth approaches where multiple security controls work together to prevent successful exploitation. Security teams should also consider implementing automated monitoring for suspicious file upload patterns and regular security audits of file handling processes. Organizations should also review their user access controls and implement principle of least privilege to minimize the potential damage from compromised accounts. The incident underscores the necessity of comprehensive security testing including threat modeling and input validation testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in web applications.