What is CVE-2020-22218?
CVE-2020-22218 is a security vulnerability identified in the CMS Made Simple (CMSMS) web content management system. This vulnerability allows attackers to perform Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks by exploiting improper input sanitization in certain components of the application. It affects versions of CMS Made Simple prior to 2.2.15, potentially enabling attackers to inject and execute malicious scripts within the context of the affected web application, compromising user data and the security of the website.
CVSS Score and Severity
- CVSS Score: 6.1 (Medium)
- Severity: The CVSS score of 6.1 out of 10 reflects a medium severity level. The potential for XSS attacks to compromise user sessions and manipulate the user interface makes this vulnerability a concern, especially for websites using CMS Made Simple to manage their content and interactions with users.
So what’s the problem?
The core problem with CVE-2020-22218 lies in its ability to allow attackers to inject and execute malicious scripts through XSS. By exploiting this vulnerability, attackers can manipulate the behavior of the web application, steal sensitive data such as session tokens, and potentially take over user accounts. Given that CMS Made Simple is often used to manage websites with significant user interactions, a successful attack could have widespread implications for an organization’s security posture and user trust.
Background and Context
Background on the vulnerability
CVE-2020-22218 was identified in 2020 during a security review of CMS Made Simple. CMS Made Simple is an open-source content management system used by many organizations to build and manage websites. The vulnerability is rooted in the improper sanitization of user input in specific components of the application, allowing attackers to craft malicious payloads that can bypass security mechanisms and execute within the user’s browser.
Description of the Vulnerability (CVE-2020-22218)
The vulnerability occurs because certain components of CMS Made Simple fail to properly sanitize input data before rendering it in the browser. Specifically, user input is reflected back in the web application without adequate escaping, allowing attackers to inject scripts that execute within the context of the user’s session. This type of vulnerability is commonly associated with XSS attacks, where unsanitized input is used to manipulate the DOM or execute arbitrary JavaScript.
Root Cause Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2020-22218 is the failure to properly sanitize and escape user input in the affected components of CMS Made Simple. This lack of proper input handling allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that can be executed within the user’s session. The issue is exacerbated in environments where user input is displayed dynamically without sufficient security checks, making XSS attacks a viable threat.
Impact and Exploitation
The impact of CVE-2020-22218
Exploiting CVE-2020-22218 can have several significant impacts:
- Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): The primary impact is the potential for XSS attacks, where an attacker can inject and execute malicious scripts within the context of the web application. This can lead to unauthorized actions, data theft, or further compromise of user accounts.
- Session Hijacking: By exploiting XSS, an attacker could steal session tokens or cookies, allowing them to impersonate the victim and gain unauthorized access to the web application.
- User Interface Manipulation: Attackers could manipulate the user interface to mislead users, tricking them into performing unintended actions or disclosing sensitive information.
Exploit
To exploit CVE-2020-22218, an attacker would need to identify a vulnerable input field or parameter in CMS Made Simple that fails to properly sanitize user input. The exploitation process involves:
- Crafting a malicious payload that includes JavaScript or HTML designed to execute within the user’s browser.
- Injecting this payload into the vulnerable input field or parameter.
- When the web application renders the unsanitized input, the malicious script is executed in the context of the user’s session, leading to potential compromise.
In-the-Wild Attacks
While there have been limited reports of in-the-wild exploitation of CVE-2020-22218, the nature of XSS vulnerabilities makes them a common target for attackers, particularly in environments where user interactions are critical. Organizations using outdated versions of CMS Made Simple are at higher risk, especially if the application is exposed to the internet or untrusted users.
Vulnerable code/package in the application
The vulnerable code is located within specific components of CMS Made Simple that handle user input and render it in the browser. The affected versions are those prior to 2.2.15, where the vulnerability has been addressed by improving input sanitization.
Statistics on vulnerability
While specific statistics on the exploitation of CVE-2020-22218 are not widely available, XSS vulnerabilities are among the most common and frequently exploited in web applications. The widespread use of CMS Made Simple in managing websites with dynamic content underscores the importance of addressing this vulnerability promptly.
Mitigation and Remediation
Mitigating CVE-2020-22218
Organizations and administrators can mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2020-22218 by:
- Updating CMS Made Simple: The most effective mitigation is to update CMS Made Simple to version 2.2.15 or later, where this vulnerability has been patched. The update includes improved input sanitization to prevent XSS attacks.
- Implementing Input Validation and Sanitization: Ensure that all user input is properly validated and sanitized before being rendered in the browser. This can help prevent the injection of malicious scripts.
- Content Security Policy (CSP): Implementing a robust Content Security Policy can help mitigate XSS attacks by restricting the sources of executable scripts on the web application.
Patch and Bypass: Fixes Added for CVE-2020-22218
The patch for CVE-2020-22218 involves changes to how CMS Made Simple handles and sanitizes user input. Specifically, the update ensures that input data is properly escaped before being reflected in the browser, thereby preventing XSS vulnerabilities. Organizations should ensure that their installations of CMS Made Simple are updated to the latest version to protect against this vulnerability.
Proactive response
A proactive security approach includes regularly updating web application software, conducting security audits to identify potential vulnerabilities, and educating users about the risks of XSS attacks. Developers should also be trained in secure coding practices to prevent similar issues from arising in future software versions.
Proof of Concept (POC)
A POC for CVE-2020-22218 could involve injecting a script via a vulnerable form input in CMS Made Simple:
html code
<script>alert('XSS')</script>When this input is processed by the application, it triggers an alert, demonstrating the XSS vulnerability.
Real-world Impact and Response
Timeline/changelog
- August 2020: Discovery of CVE-2020-22218 during a security review of CMS Made Simple.
- September 2020: Public disclosure of the vulnerability and release of CMS Made Simple version 2.2.15 with the fix.
- October 2020: Continued advisories issued to administrators and users to update their CMS installations and secure their applications against XSS attacks.
Observed Activity
Since its disclosure, there have been limited but notable instances of CVE-2020-22218 being targeted in the wild. Attackers have focused on exploiting unpatched instances of CMS Made Simple, particularly in environments where the application is exposed to external users or the internet.
Mass Scanning
There have been no widespread reports of mass scanning specifically targeting CVE-2020-22218. However, automated tools that search for XSS vulnerabilities are commonly used by attackers to identify and exploit vulnerable web applications.
Vulnerable Server Discovery
Vulnerable instances of CMS Made Simple can be discovered by attackers through targeted scanning or by analyzing web pages for signs of outdated versions. Administrators should ensure that their systems are properly configured and updated to prevent exploitation.
Reasoning and Scoring
Corporate networks impacted globally
CVE-2020-22218 has the potential to impact corporate networks globally, particularly in organizations that rely on CMS Made Simple for managing user interactions and dynamic content. The vulnerability can be exploited to perform XSS attacks, leading to the compromise of user accounts, session hijacking, and unauthorized actions within the web application.
Corporate numbers impacted by countries
- United States: Numerous enterprises and small businesses use CMS Made Simple, with many potentially at risk.
- Europe: Significant adoption of CMS Made Simple in business and IT sectors, leading to potential exposure.
- Asia: Extensive use of CMS Made Simple in industries where content management and user interactions are critical.
Conclusion
Who should be paying attention to this?
Web administrators, cybersecurity professionals, and organizations that use CMS Made Simple for managing websites and user interactions should prioritize attention to CVE-2020-22218. Ensuring that CMS installations are secure and up to date is critical for maintaining the integrity and security of web applications.
Who is exploiting it and how?
CVE-2020-22218 has been exploited by attackers who identify vulnerable instances of CMS Made Simple. These attackers craft malicious scripts designed to exploit the XSS vulnerability, leading to session hijacking, unauthorized access, and manipulation of the user interface.
How are things likely to develop?
As more organizations update their CMS Made Simple installations, the risk of widespread exploitation decreases. However, systems that remain unpatched are still vulnerable to XSS attacks, and the potential for targeted exploitation remains a concern. Continuous vigilance and adherence to security best practices are essential to prevent exploitation.
How long has it been around?
CVE-2020-22218 was discovered and disclosed in mid-2020, but the underlying issue with improper input sanitization may have existed in earlier versions of CMS Made Simple. This highlights the importance of regular security reviews and updates to address potential vulnerabilities in widely used content management systems.
