CVE-2025-60453 in MetInfo
Summary
by MITRE • 10/03/2025
A stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability has been discovered in MetInfo CMS version 8.0. The vulnerability exists in the column management module, specifically in the app\system\column\admin\index.class.php component. The vulnerability allows attackers to upload malicious SVG files containing JavaScript code that executes when the uploaded file is viewed or accessed by users.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/03/2025
The stored cross-site scripting vulnerability in MetInfo CMS version 8.0 represents a critical security flaw that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into the application's column management functionality. This vulnerability specifically resides within the app\system module and enables persistent malicious code execution against unsuspecting users who interact with affected content. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or encode user-supplied data before storing and rendering it within the web application interface. Security researchers identified that the vulnerability occurs when administrators or users with appropriate privileges create or modify column content through the system management interface, where malicious scripts can be embedded and subsequently executed whenever the affected pages are accessed. The stored nature of this vulnerability means that once malicious code is injected into the system, it remains persistent and will execute automatically whenever users view the compromised content, making it particularly dangerous for content management systems where multiple users interact with shared data repositories. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws and represents a significant risk to web application security. The impact extends beyond simple script execution as it can potentially enable session hijacking, credential theft, and further exploitation of the compromised system through techniques such as phishing attacks or redirection to malicious domains.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of insufficient data sanitization within the application's backend processing pipeline. When user input is processed through the column management interface, the system fails to properly filter or encode special characters that could be interpreted as HTML or JavaScript commands. This processing gap occurs during the data persistence phase where user-supplied content is stored in the database without adequate sanitization, and then retrieved and rendered without proper output encoding. The vulnerability affects the app\system module specifically because this component handles administrative functions including column creation, modification, and display operations that involve user-generated content. Attackers can leverage this flaw by crafting malicious payloads containing javascript code, html tags, or other script-based attacks that are stored in the system and executed when legitimate users access the affected columns. The exploitation process requires minimal privileges and can be accomplished through standard web application attack vectors, making it particularly concerning for organizations that rely on MetInfo CMS for their content management needs. The vulnerability's presence in the system management module indicates that it affects core administrative functionality, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges or gain unauthorized access to sensitive system information.
The operational impact of this stored XSS vulnerability extends far beyond simple data corruption or display issues, creating substantial risks for organizations relying on MetInfo CMS for their digital infrastructure. Successful exploitation can lead to complete compromise of user sessions through session hijacking techniques, where attackers can steal authentication tokens and impersonate legitimate users within the system. The persistent nature of stored XSS means that malicious scripts remain active until manually removed from the database, providing attackers with extended periods of access and potential for data exfiltration. Organizations may experience unauthorized access to sensitive content, modification of critical system parameters, and potential data breaches that could result in regulatory compliance violations and financial losses. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to redirect users to phishing sites or deploy additional malware through the compromised system, expanding the attack surface and increasing the potential damage. Network monitoring systems may not immediately detect these attacks as the malicious code appears to originate from legitimate system components, complicating detection and response efforts. The impact is particularly severe for organizations using MetInfo CMS for e-commerce, content management, or administrative systems where user trust and data integrity are paramount. This vulnerability can also facilitate lateral movement within network environments if the compromised system has access to other internal resources, potentially leading to broader security incidents.
Mitigation strategies for this stored XSS vulnerability in MetInfo CMS version 8.0 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The most critical immediate action involves applying the vendor-provided security patches or updates that address the specific input validation and output encoding flaws in the app\system module. Organizations should also implement comprehensive input sanitization measures that filter or encode all user-supplied data before storage, ensuring that potentially dangerous characters are properly escaped or removed. Output encoding should be enforced throughout the application's rendering pipeline to prevent any stored malicious content from being executed in the user's browser context. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of the affected system components and implement web application firewalls to detect and block malicious script injection attempts. Regular security monitoring and log analysis should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and privilege management can limit the potential impact of successful exploitation by restricting who can modify column content within the system. The mitigation approach should align with industry best practices and security frameworks such as those recommended by the OWASP Top Ten project, which emphasizes proper input validation and output encoding as fundamental defenses against XSS attacks. Regular security training for administrators and developers can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future versions of the application or custom modifications. Organizations should also establish incident response procedures specifically designed to handle XSS exploitation attempts and ensure that security teams are prepared to respond quickly to any signs of compromise. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection layers against script execution, while regular penetration testing and security audits can help identify other potential vulnerabilities that may exist within the broader application ecosystem.