News Script Pro Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) Scanner

News Script Pro is a widely-used content management system designed for managing and publishing news articles. It is often implemented by web developers and site administrators due to its user-friendly interface and extensive functionalities. The software provides a platform for managing multiple authors and editors, facilitating collaborative content creation. It is employed by various organizations, including media companies and news aggregators, for disseminating news. Its customizable features allow users to tailor the software to their specific needs, enhancing its utility in a dynamic environment. News Script Pro is designed to streamline the publication process and enhance content management efficiency.

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) is a vulnerability that allows an attacker to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. It exploits the trust that a user has in a particular website. Attackers can use XSS to send a malicious script to an unsuspecting user, which executes in the user's browser under the privileges of the hosting site. This can lead to unauthorized actions being executed or confidential data being compromised. XSS is a prevalent web application vulnerability that can affect a wide range of applications. It is particularly dangerous as it does not necessarily require a user to be logged in for exploitation.

The XSS vulnerability in News Script Pro 2.4 can be exploited via a crafted URL that embeds a script into a page rendered by the application. The vulnerability is present in the 'preview.php' file and can be triggered by manipulating query parameters such as 'cat_id' and 'p'. These parameters lack proper input validation or escaping, allowing the injection of script tags. When the constructed URL is accessed, the script executes in the user's browser, potentially leading to session hijacking or other malicious actions. The attack leverages HTML output inclusive of unsanitized input to deliver the malicious script payload.

Exploitation of this XSS vulnerability can have significant consequences for both users and administrators of the affected site. Malicious actors can steal session tokens, allowing them to impersonate legitimate users. They can modify web page content or redirect users to phishing sites to harvest credentials. The exploitation could harm the reputation of the site and erode trust among its users. Moreover, sensitive user data, such as authentication tokens or personal information, may be at risk. It emphasizes the need for robust input sanitization to prevent such attacks.

REFERENCES

• https://www.exploitalert.com/view-details.html?id=39634