CVE-2017-6446 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A cross-site scripting vulnerability (XSS) was discovered in Dotclear version 2.11.2, affecting the admin/blogs.php and admin/users.php files by targeting the sortby and order parameters.

Understanding CVE-2017-6446

This CVE entry highlights a specific XSS vulnerability in Dotclear version 2.11.2.

What is CVE-2017-6446?

CVE-2017-6446 is a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in Dotclear v2.11.2, impacting the admin/blogs.php and admin/users.php files through the manipulation of sortby and order parameters.

The Impact of CVE-2017-6446

The vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute malicious scripts in the context of an admin user, potentially leading to unauthorized actions or data theft.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-6446

This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The XSS flaw in Dotclear v2.11.2 affects the admin/blogs.php and admin/users.php files, specifically through the sortby and order parameters.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Dotclear
Version: 2.11.2

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by injecting malicious scripts into the sortby and order parameters, enabling attackers to execute unauthorized actions.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2017-6446 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Dotclear to a patched version that addresses the XSS vulnerability.
Implement input validation mechanisms to sanitize user inputs and prevent script injections.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and audit web applications for security vulnerabilities.
Educate users and administrators about the risks of XSS attacks and best security practices.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security patches and updates provided by Dotclear to mitigate the XSS vulnerability.