CVE-2025-48378 in Dnn.Platform
Summary
by MITRE • 05/23/2025
DNN (formerly DotNetNuke) is an open-source web content management platform (CMS) in the Microsoft ecosystem. Prior to version 9.13.9, uploaded SVG files could contain scripts and if rendered inline those scripts could run allowing XSS attacks. Version 9.13.9 fixes the issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/30/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-48378 affects DNN (formerly DotNetNuke), a widely used open-source web content management platform within the Microsoft ecosystem. This platform serves as a foundation for numerous websites and web applications, making its security implications particularly significant for organizations relying on its functionality. The vulnerability specifically targets the handling of SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) file uploads, which are commonly used for images and graphical content on web platforms.
The technical flaw resides in the improper validation and sanitization of SVG file uploads within the DNN platform. When users upload SVG files, the system fails to adequately filter out potentially malicious script content embedded within these files. SVG format inherently supports scripting capabilities through embedded javascript, which can be executed when the file is rendered inline within a web page. This vulnerability creates a direct pathway for cross-site scripting attacks, where attackers can inject malicious code that executes in the context of other users' browsers. The flaw essentially allows an attacker to bypass normal security controls by leveraging the legitimate SVG upload functionality to deliver malicious payloads.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple XSS attacks, as it can enable a wide range of malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration. Attackers can craft malicious SVG files that execute scripts when viewed by other users, potentially compromising user sessions and accessing sensitive information. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because SVG files are commonly used for logos, icons, and other graphical elements, making them a natural part of the content management workflow. This means that even legitimate users uploading standard graphical content could inadvertently expose the system to attack vectors through the upload process.
The remediation for this vulnerability was implemented in version 9.13.9 of the DNN platform, which introduced enhanced validation and sanitization mechanisms for SVG file uploads. This fix typically involves comprehensive filtering of SVG content to remove or neutralize any embedded scripting elements before the files are stored or rendered. Organizations should prioritize updating to this version or later to mitigate the risk of exploitation. Security best practices recommend implementing additional layers of protection such as content security policies, regular security audits, and monitoring for unusual file upload activities. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 (Cross-site Scripting) and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1566 (Phishing) and T1203 (Exploitation for Client Execution) in threat modeling contexts.
Organizations utilizing DNN platforms should conduct thorough security assessments to identify any systems running vulnerable versions and implement proper patch management procedures. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of validating all user-supplied content, particularly in rich media formats that support scripting capabilities. Regular security updates and proper input validation practices remain essential defensive measures against similar vulnerabilities in content management systems and web applications.