CVE-2025-46199 in grav
Summary
by MITRE • 07/25/2025
Cross Site Scripting vulnerability in grav v.1.7.48 and before allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code via a crafted script to the form fields
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/15/2025
This cross site scripting vulnerability exists in grav version 1.7.48 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web forms. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization mechanisms within the grav content management system. When users submit data through form fields, the application fails to properly sanitize or escape the input before rendering it back to the user interface. This oversight creates an environment where malicious actors can craft specially designed scripts that execute in the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further exploitation of the affected system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which describes improper neutralization of input during web page generation in a web application. The flaw specifically manifests in the form processing components where user input is directly incorporated into dynamic web content without adequate security measures. Attackers can exploit this by submitting malicious payloads through form fields such as contact forms, comment sections, or user registration forms. The vulnerability operates under the principle that web applications should never trust user input and must always validate, sanitize, and escape all data before incorporating it into dynamic content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, creating potential pathways for more sophisticated attacks within the web application environment. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of authenticated users, or redirect victims to malicious websites. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability represents a low-effort, high-impact vector that leverages the trust users place in legitimate web forms. The attack chain typically involves crafting malicious input that bypasses client-side validation, submitting the payload through a vulnerable form, and then executing the script when other users view the affected content. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 which describes spearphishing with links, where malicious payloads are delivered through web forms and executed in user browsers.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention from system administrators and developers. The most effective approach involves implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application's form processing pipeline. All user-supplied data should undergo strict sanitization before being stored or displayed, with proper HTML entity encoding applied to prevent script execution. Additionally, developers should implement Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution capabilities and employ regular security updates to address known vulnerabilities. The fix should include upgrading to grav version 1.7.49 or later, which contains the necessary patches to prevent XSS injection through form fields. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments of all web applications to identify similar vulnerabilities and establish robust input validation frameworks that comply with OWASP Top Ten security standards.