CVE-2023-37269 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Discover the impact of CVE-2023-37269 on Winter CMS, a Laravel-based CMS, allowing stored XSS through SVG uploads. Learn about affected systems, exploitation, and mitigation steps.
Winter CMS Vulnerable to Stored XSS through Privileged Upload of SVG File
Understanding CVE-2023-37269
Winter CMS, a free and open-source content management system (CMS) based on the Laravel PHP framework, was found to be vulnerable to stored cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks through the upload of SVG files. This vulnerability could allow attackers with specific permissions to execute malicious scripts.
What is CVE-2023-37269?
Winter CMS allows users with certain permissions to upload SVGs as the application logo. However, versions prior to 1.2.3 did not properly sanitize these uploads, creating a risk for stored XSS attacks. Attackers with elevated permissions could exploit this vulnerability.
The Impact of CVE-2023-37269
To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would need developer or super user level permissions in Winter CMS. They would also need to convince a victim to visit the URL of the malicious SVG file directly. However, the risk is mitigated if the application serves files from a CDN, limiting the potential harm.
Technical Details of CVE-2023-37269
Vulnerability Description
Winter CMS versions prior to 1.2.3 allowed for the upload of SVG files without proper sanitization, leading to stored XSS attacks when rendered in the application.
Affected Systems and Versions
Winter CMS versions below 1.2.3 are affected by this vulnerability.
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers with specific permissions could upload a malicious SVG file and convince a user to visit the URL, triggering the stored XSS.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
It is recommended to update Winter CMS to version 1.2.3 or higher, where the vulnerability has been patched. Users can also manually apply patches as a workaround.
Long-Term Security Practices
To enhance security, users should regularly update software, restrict user permissions, and educate users on safe browsing practices.
Patching and Updates
Winter CMS addressed this vulnerability in version 1.2.3 by adding full support for SVG uploads and implementing automatic sanitization of uploaded files.