CVE-2025-44998 in TinyFileManager
Summary
by MITRE • 05/23/2025
A stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the component /tinyfilemanager.php of TinyFileManager v2.4.7 allows attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript or HTML via injecting a crafted payload into the js-theme-3 parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/11/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-44998 represents a critical stored cross-site scripting flaw within the TinyFileManager v2.4.7 web application. This issue specifically affects the /tinyfilemanager.php component where user input is improperly sanitized and directly reflected back to users without adequate output encoding or validation. The vulnerability manifests through the js-theme-3 parameter which serves as an injection vector for malicious payloads that can persist within the application's storage mechanisms. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious JavaScript or HTML code that gets stored in the system and subsequently executed whenever authenticated users access the affected page. The stored nature of this vulnerability means that the malicious code remains persistent even after the initial injection, making it particularly dangerous as it can affect multiple users over time.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization practices within the TinyFileManager application. When the js-theme-3 parameter receives user-supplied data, the application fails to properly escape or encode special characters that could be interpreted as HTML or JavaScript markup. This lack of proper sanitization creates an environment where attackers can inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which defines cross-site scripting as the failure to properly neutralize user input data when it is used in the application's output. The flaw demonstrates poor secure coding practices that violate fundamental web application security principles, particularly those concerning input validation and output encoding.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities within the compromised environment. Once an attacker successfully injects malicious code through the js-theme-3 parameter, they can potentially access sensitive user data, hijack user sessions, redirect users to malicious websites, or even perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. The persistent nature of stored XSS means that the attack can continue to affect users long after the initial compromise, making it difficult to detect and remediate. This vulnerability particularly threatens environments where TinyFileManager is used for file management and collaboration, as it could allow unauthorized access to sensitive documents and system resources. The attack vector follows ATT&CK technique T1566.001 which describes the use of malicious file content to execute code in the victim's browser.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of input validation and output encoding measures within the TinyFileManager application. The primary fix involves implementing proper parameter sanitization for all user-supplied input, particularly the js-theme-3 parameter, through the use of strict validation rules and HTML escaping techniques. Organizations should also consider implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit the execution of inline scripts and reduce the impact of successful XSS attacks. Additionally, regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing proper input/output handling mechanisms as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. Regular updates and patches should be applied to ensure that the application remains protected against known vulnerabilities, with the specific patch for this CVE-2025-44998 being prioritized for immediate deployment.