CVE-2020-23179 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in PHP-Fusion 9.03.50 allows authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML via a crafted payload in the "Site footer" field.

Understanding CVE-2020-23179

This CVE involves a security issue in PHP-Fusion 9.03.50 that enables attackers to inject malicious scripts through a specific field.

What is CVE-2020-23179?

This CVE identifies a stored XSS vulnerability in the administration/settings_main.php file of PHP-Fusion 9.03.50, which can be exploited by authenticated attackers to run arbitrary web scripts or HTML by inserting a malicious payload into the "Site footer" input.

The Impact of CVE-2020-23179

The vulnerability poses a risk of executing unauthorized scripts or HTML code within the context of the affected site, potentially leading to various malicious activities.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-23179

This section delves into the specific technical aspects of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability lies in the handling of user input in the "Site footer" field, allowing attackers to inject and execute malicious scripts.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected System: PHP-Fusion 9.03.50
Affected Versions: All versions up to 9.03.50

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with authenticated access can exploit this vulnerability by inserting a crafted payload into the "Site footer" field, leading to the execution of unauthorized scripts or HTML.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-23179 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update PHP-Fusion to the latest version to patch the vulnerability.
Regularly monitor and sanitize user inputs to prevent XSS attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement input validation and output encoding to mitigate XSS risks.
Educate users on safe practices to prevent the insertion of malicious payloads.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches promptly to address known vulnerabilities and enhance system security.