CVE-2021-38603:Stored XSS vulnerability in PluXML 5.8.7 allows attackers to inject malicious scripts via the Information field in the user profile.

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PluXML 5.8.7 contains a stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the core/admin/profil.php file. The vulnerability exists because the application fails to properly sanitize user input in the Information field of user profiles. An attacker with access to the admin interface can inject malicious JavaScript code that will be stored on the server and executed in the browser of any user who views the affected profile page. This vulnerability could lead to session hijacking, credential theft, or other client-side attacks.

Overview

The vulnerability affects PluXML version 5.8.7 and possibly earlier versions. PluXML is a flat-file CMS that doesn't require a database server. The vulnerability is classified as CWE-79 (Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation), commonly known as Cross-Site Scripting. The issue specifically occurs in the profile management functionality where the Information field doesn't properly validate or sanitize user input before storing and displaying it. Authenticated users with access to the profile editing functionality can exploit this vulnerability to inject arbitrary JavaScript code that will execute in the context of other users' browsers when they view the affected profile.

Remediation

Users should upgrade to PluXML version 5.8.8 or later, which contains a fix for this vulnerability according to the changelog. If upgrading is not immediately possible, administrators should implement the following mitigations:

  1. Restrict access to the admin interface to trusted users only
  2. Implement proper input validation and output encoding for the Information field
  3. Consider implementing Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to mitigate the impact of XSS attacks
  4. Regularly review user profiles for suspicious content that could indicate exploitation attempts

References

  1. Packet Storm Security Advisory: http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/163823/PluXML-5.8.7-Cross-Site-Scripting.html
  2. Exploit Details: https://github.com/KielVaughn/CVE-2021-38603
  3. Vendor Changelog: https://pluxml.org/download/changelog.txt
  4. MITRE CWE-79: https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/79.html

Industry ExposureMost to least
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.

  1. Accommodation & Food Services
    Accommodation & Food Services
  2. Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
    Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
  3. Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
    Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
  4. Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
    Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
  5. Construction
    Construction
  6. Educational Services
    Educational Services
  7. Finance and Insurance
    Finance and Insurance
  8. Health Care & Social Assistance
    Health Care & Social Assistance
  9. Information
    Information
  10. Management of Companies & Enterprises
    Management of Companies & Enterprises
  11. Manufacturing
    Manufacturing
  12. Mining
    Mining
  13. Other Services (except Public Administration)
    Other Services (except Public Administration)
  14. Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
    Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
  15. Public Administration
    Public Administration
  16. Real Estate Rental & Leasing
    Real Estate Rental & Leasing
  17. Retail Trade
    Retail Trade
  18. Transportation & Warehousing
    Transportation & Warehousing
  19. Utilities
    Utilities
  20. Wholesale Trade
    Wholesale Trade

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Armis Vulnerability Intelligence Database