CVE-2025-41061 in CMF
Summary
by MITRE • 09/04/2025
A vulnerability has been discovered in appRain CMF version 4.0.5, consisting of a stored authenticated XSS due to a lack of proper validation of user input, through the 'data[Addon][layouts]' and 'data[Addon][layouts_except]' parameters in /apprain/developer/addons/update/uploadify.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/04/2025
This vulnerability exists within appRain CMF version 4.0.5 where a stored authenticated cross-site scripting flaw has been identified through insufficient input validation mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically affects the /apprain/developer/addons/update/uploadify endpoint where user-supplied data is processed without adequate sanitization. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious input through the 'data[Addon][layouts]' and 'data[Addon][layouts_except]' parameters, which are then stored within the application's database and subsequently executed in the context of other users' browsers. This represents a classic stored XSS vulnerability where the malicious payload persists and can be triggered when legitimate users access the affected functionality.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from CWE-79 which defines improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically within the context of authenticated user sessions. The flaw occurs because the application fails to properly validate and sanitize user input before storing it in the database, allowing malicious scripts to be embedded within the application's data structures. When the stored data is later rendered in the user interface, particularly within the addon management functionality, the malicious JavaScript code executes in the browser context of authenticated users with the privileges of their current session. This creates a persistent threat vector that can affect any user who accesses the compromised application components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables attackers with authenticated access to potentially compromise other users within the same application environment. An attacker could craft malicious payloads that steal session cookies, redirect users to phishing sites, or perform actions on behalf of other users within the application's permissions. The stored nature of this vulnerability means that the attack persists even after the initial exploitation attempt, making it particularly dangerous for long-term compromise. Given that this affects the developer addon management functionality, the attack surface could extend to administrators with elevated privileges, potentially leading to complete application compromise or data exfiltration.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application's data processing pipeline. The most effective approach involves sanitizing all user-supplied input through proper validation libraries and encoding output before rendering in web pages. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and privilege separation within the application's authentication system can limit the scope of potential exploitation. Regular security audits should be conducted to identify similar input validation weaknesses throughout the application codebase, and developers should follow secure coding practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST Secure Coding Standards. The application should also implement Content Security Policy headers to add an additional layer of protection against malicious script execution.