CVE-2019-20803 : Security Advisory and Response

Gila CMS prior to version 1.11.6 is vulnerable to reflected cross-site scripting in the admin/content/postcategory id parameter.

Understanding CVE-2019-20803

This CVE involves a security vulnerability in Gila CMS that allows for reflected cross-site scripting attacks.

What is CVE-2019-20803?

The version of Gila CMS before 1.11.6 contains a reflected cross-site scripting vulnerability in the admin/content/postcategory id parameter.

The Impact of CVE-2019-20803

This vulnerability can be exploited by attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of a user's browser, potentially leading to unauthorized actions or data theft.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-20803

Gila CMS version 1.11.6 and below are susceptible to this security flaw.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability exists in the mishandling of the admin/content/postcategory id parameter for g_preview_theme, allowing for the execution of arbitrary scripts.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Gila CMS
Vendor: N/A
Versions Affected: All versions prior to 1.11.6

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious scripts into the affected parameter, which are then executed when the parameter is processed.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2019-20803.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Gila CMS to version 1.11.6 or later to patch the vulnerability.
Implement input validation and output encoding to prevent script injection attacks.
Regularly monitor and audit web application logs for suspicious activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities.
Educate developers and administrators on secure coding practices and the importance of web application security.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by Gila CMS.
Apply patches promptly to ensure that known vulnerabilities are addressed and security posture is maintained.