CVE-2022-45040: Critical Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) Vulnerability in WBCE CMS v1.5.4 Affecting /admin/pages/sections_save.php
A high-rated cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability, CVE-2022-45040, was recently identified in WBCE CMS v1.5.4 in the /admin/pages/sections_save.php file. This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code by injecting a crafted payload into the Name Section field. This long-read post explores the exploitation techniques, potential security consequences, and suggested remediation steps for this dangerous vulnerability.
Background
WBCE CMS is a popular open-source content management system (CMS) widely used for website creation and management. It is known for its simplicity and ease of use. However, security researchers have recently discovered a critical cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability (CVE-2022-45040) in WBCE CMS v1.5.4. If left unpatched, this security vulnerability may enable attackers to manipulate or compromise web applications, steal sensitive user data, or facilitate other malicious operations.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability lies in the /admin/pages/sections_save.php file of WBCE CMS v1.5.4. The Name Section field does not adequately sanitize user input, leading to the potential for malicious web scripts or HTML code to be injected and executed.
Below is a code snippet that shows the vulnerable code in sections_save.php
// sections_save.php
// ...
$section_id = (int) $_POST['section_id'];
$title = htmlspecialchars($admin->get_post_escaped('title')); // <-- vulnerable code
$namesection = htmlspecialchars($admin->get_post_escaped('namesection')); // <-- vulnerable code
// ...
$database->query("UPDATE " . TABLE_PREFIX . "sections SET title = '$title', namesection = '$namesection' WHERE section_id = '$section_id'");
// ...
Exploitation
An attacker can exploit the vulnerability by injecting a crafted payload into the Name Section field while editing a section within the /admin/pages/sections_save.php page. The payload might include arbitrary JavaScript or HTML code that gets executed when other users interact with the injected section.
A simple example of an exploit payload could be the following
<script>alert('XSS')</script>
When an administrator or other user edits the section, the injected code would execute and trigger an alert, proving the vulnerability's presence.
Original References
- CVE-2022-45040 - National Vulnerability Database (NIST)
- WBCE CMS v1.5.4 - Project Homepage
Mitigation and Remediation
WBCE has not yet provided an official patch for this vulnerability. However, there are some immediate steps you can take to reduce the risk of exploitation:
1. Upgrade your WBCE CMS installation to the latest version available from the official WBCE website as new releases may include security patches.
2. Implement strong user roles and access controls to limit the number of users who can access the vulnerable section-editing functionality.
3. Regularly scan your WBCE CMS installation for any signs of unauthorized access or suspicious activity.
In the long term, it is essential to ensure that WBCE developers provide a security patch addressing the vulnerability and follow regular security updates to protect your web applications from potential threats.
Conclusion
Cross-site scripting vulnerabilities like CVE-2022-45040 are dangerous, as they enable attackers to compromise the integrity of your web application and potentially steal sensitive user information. It is crucial to keep your software regularly updated and employ a robust security strategy to protect your organization's assets effectively. Users of WBCE CMS v1.5.4 should monitor developments related to this vulnerability and apply security patches as they become available to mitigate its potential impact.
Timeline
Published on: 11/25/2022 16:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 11/28/2022 21:05:00 UTC