Webigniter Cross-Site Scripting Scanner

Webigniter is a widely used content management system (CMS) designed for building dynamic websites. It is utilized by web developers and businesses to create and manage website content efficiently. The software provides tools for managing web pages, media, and other digital content, making it popular among users who need a flexible and robust CMS platform. It is most commonly used for managing company websites, personal blogs, and other digital platforms that require frequent updates and content management. Webigniter aims at providing an easy-to-use interface alongside powerful features to cater to both beginner and advanced users. Its extensibility allows users to enhance its functionality through plugins and add-ons.

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) is a security vulnerability that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. It occurs when an application includes untrusted data without proper validation or escaping into a web page. This vulnerability can lead to a variety of attacks, such as stealing session cookies, defacing websites, or redirecting users to malicious sites. XSS is particularly dangerous on login or sensitive pages, as it can lead to phishing attacks or unauthorized access to user accounts. To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker typically needs to create a specially crafted URL and trick users into visiting it. Effective protection against XSS involves input validation and encoding untrusted data when outputting it in HTML responses.

The XSS vulnerability in Webigniter v.28.7.23 is present due to improper handling of input parameters. The vulnerability is specifically found in the 'redirect' parameter used in the CMS login page. When an attacker submits a specially crafted script within this parameter, the script is executed in the user's browser without validation. As the script is executed in the context of the affected application, it can perform any actions the user is capable of doing, such as stealing information or modifying the page content. The key weakness lies in the reflection of untrusted input directly back to the user's browser. Sanitation and validation flaws in the application's code are primarily responsible for this vulnerability.

When exploited, the Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability in Webigniter can lead to various negative outcomes. The most immediate impact is the potential compromise of user accounts through session hijacking. Attackers can spoof users, perform actions on their behalf, or even deface web pages. This can lead to a breakdown of trust between the application and its users, potentially causing damage to both reputation and revenue. Additionally, users may be redirected to malicious sites that further compromise their personal information or infect their systems with malware. The long-term effects include legal implications and potential financial losses due to breaches.

REFERENCES

• https://github.com/nu11secur1ty/CVE-nu11secur1ty/tree/main/vendors/WEBIGniter/2023/WEBIGniter-28.7.23-XSS-Reflected
• https://webigniter.net