CVE-2025-59545
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in DNN's Prompt module allows attackers to execute arbitrary scripts through malicious input, leading to cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks. It affects all DNN installations prior to version 10.1.0. Attackers could steal session cookies, redirect users, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users.
💻 Affected Systems
- DNN (DotNetNuke) Platform
📦 What is this software?
Dotnetnuke by Dnnsoftware
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full account takeover through session hijacking, data theft, and complete compromise of user accounts and administrative functions.
Likely Case
Session hijacking leading to unauthorized access, data exfiltration, and privilege escalation within the CMS.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper input validation and output encoding, but still potential for limited script execution.
🎯 Exploit Status
XSS vulnerabilities are commonly weaponized and require minimal technical skill to exploit.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 10.1.0
Vendor Advisory: https://github.com/dnnsoftware/Dnn.Platform/security/advisories/GHSA-2qxc-mf4x-wr29
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Backup your DNN installation and database. 2. Download DNN Platform version 10.1.0 or later. 3. Follow the official DNN upgrade guide. 4. Restart the application pool/IIS. 5. Verify the upgrade completed successfully.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Prompt Module
windowsRemove or disable the vulnerable Prompt module if not required.
Navigate to Host > Extensions > Uninstall Prompt module
Implement WAF Rules
allConfigure web application firewall to block XSS payloads targeting the Prompt module.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict input validation and output encoding for all user inputs processed by the Prompt module.
- Restrict access to the Prompt module to trusted administrators only using IP whitelisting or authentication requirements.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check DNN version in Host > Site Settings > Basic Settings. If version is below 10.1.0 and Prompt module is installed, the system is vulnerable.Check Version:
Check the version number displayed in the DNN admin interface under Host > Site SettingsVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm DNN version is 10.1.0 or higher in Host > Site Settings > Basic Settings.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual POST requests to Prompt module endpoints
- Script tags or JavaScript payloads in request logs
- Multiple failed authentication attempts followed by Prompt module access
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing script payloads to /DesktopModules/Admin/Prompt/ endpoints
- Unexpected redirects or cookie theft patterns
SIEM Query:
source="web_server" AND (uri_path="/DesktopModules/Admin/Prompt/" AND (request_body CONTAINS "<script>" OR request_body CONTAINS "javascript:"))