CVE-2025-62499
📋 TL;DR
This stored XSS vulnerability in Movable Type allows attackers with 'ContentType Management' privileges to inject malicious scripts into the Edit CategorySet page. When other users access this page, their browsers execute the attacker's scripts, potentially stealing session cookies or performing actions on their behalf. This affects Movable Type installations where users have ContentType Management privileges.
💻 Affected Systems
- Movable Type
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Privileged attacker steals administrator session cookies, gains full administrative access, and potentially compromises the entire Movable Type installation and underlying server.
Likely Case
Privileged user with ContentType Management access steals other users' session cookies, performs unauthorized actions, or defaces content.
If Mitigated
With proper privilege separation and input validation, impact is limited to the ContentType Management interface only.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires authenticated access with ContentType Management privilege. Attacker must craft malicious input that gets stored and rendered on the Edit CategorySet page.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Movable Type 8.8.0
Vendor Advisory: https://movabletype.org/news/2025/10/mt-880-released.html
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Backup your Movable Type installation and database. 2. Download Movable Type 8.8.0 from the official website. 3. Replace existing files with the new version. 4. Run the upgrade script if required. 5. Verify the update completed successfully.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Remove ContentType Management Privileges
allTemporarily remove ContentType Management privileges from all users except absolutely necessary administrators.
Implement Content Security Policy
allAdd Content Security Policy headers to restrict script execution from untrusted sources.
Add 'Content-Security-Policy: script-src 'self'' to web server configuration
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Review and minimize users with ContentType Management privileges
- Implement web application firewall rules to block XSS payloads
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Movable Type version in admin interface or via mt-config.cgi file. Versions below 8.8.0 are vulnerable.Check Version:
Check MT_VERSION in mt-config.cgi or view version in admin dashboardVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version shows 8.8.0 or higher in admin dashboard. Test Edit CategorySet page for proper input sanitization.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual ContentType modifications
- Multiple failed privilege escalation attempts
- Suspicious script tags in category set data
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected JavaScript execution from category set pages
- Suspicious outbound connections from admin interface
SIEM Query:
source="movable_type_logs" AND (event="category_set_edit" OR event="content_type_modify") AND (message="*script*" OR message="*javascript*")