Stored XSS in Exponent CMS with Database Credential Exposure

Detection Guidance

This vulnerability can be detected by checking for the presence of malicious script injections in the Title and Text Block parameters of the text editing endpoint in Exponent CMS version 2.6.

Specifically, look for iframe payloads with embedded SVG onload events that execute arbitrary JavaScript.

Additionally, monitoring responses for exposed database credentials and testing authentication endpoints for lack of brute-force protection can help identify exploitation attempts.

While no explicit commands are provided, typical detection commands might include using web application scanners or manual inspection with tools like curl or Burp Suite to send crafted requests to the text editing endpoint and observe responses.

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Mitigation Strategies

Immediate mitigation steps include restricting authenticated user input in the Title and Text Block parameters to prevent injection of malicious scripts.

Implement input validation and sanitization to block iframe payloads and embedded SVG onload events.

Ensure that database credentials are not exposed in application responses.

Add brute-force protection mechanisms on authentication endpoints to prevent unauthorized access.

Consider updating or patching Exponent CMS if a fix is available.

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Compliance Impact

The vulnerability in Exponent CMS 2.6 involves stored cross-site scripting that allows authenticated attackers to inject malicious scripts, exposure of database credentials in responses, and lack of brute-force protection on authentication endpoints.

These issues could potentially impact compliance with common standards and regulations such as GDPR and HIPAA because they may lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data and compromise the integrity and confidentiality of the system.

Specifically, exposure of database credentials and the ability to execute arbitrary scripts could result in data breaches or unauthorized data manipulation, which are critical concerns under regulations that mandate protection of personal and sensitive information.

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Executive Summary

CVE-2021-47931 is a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Exponent CMS version 2.6.

Authenticated attackers can inject malicious scripts through the Title and Text Block parameters in the text editing endpoint.

The attack involves injecting iframe payloads with embedded SVG onload events, which execute arbitrary JavaScript when triggered.

Additionally, the application exposes database credentials in responses and lacks brute-force protection on authentication endpoints.

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Impact Analysis

This vulnerability can allow attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript in the context of the vulnerable application, potentially leading to session hijacking, defacement, or redirection to malicious sites.

Exposure of database credentials in responses can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data.

The lack of brute-force protection on authentication endpoints increases the risk of unauthorized access through credential guessing attacks.

Overall, these issues can compromise the confidentiality and integrity of the application and its data.

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