CVE-2025-71177
📋 TL;DR
LavaLite CMS versions up to 10.1.0 contain a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability where authenticated users can inject malicious scripts into package Name or Description fields. These scripts execute when other users view search results containing the malicious package, potentially leading to session hijacking or credential theft. All LavaLite CMS installations up to version 10.1.0 with authenticated users are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- LavaLite CMS
📦 What is this software?
Lavalite by Lavalite
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attackers gain administrative access, steal all user credentials, deface websites, and install backdoors for persistent access.
Likely Case
Authenticated attackers steal session cookies from other users, perform unauthorized actions in victims' contexts, and potentially escalate privileges.
If Mitigated
Scripts execute but are sandboxed or blocked by CSP, limiting damage to isolated browser sessions without persistent compromise.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated access but is straightforward once authenticated. Public proof-of-concept exists in GitHub issue.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 10.1.1 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://github.com/LavaLite/cms/issues/420
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Backup your LavaLite installation and database. 2. Download latest version from official repository. 3. Replace affected files with patched versions. 4. Clear application cache. 5. Test package creation and search functionality.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Input Validation Filter
allAdd server-side input validation to sanitize HTML/JavaScript in package Name and Description fields
Implement HTML entity encoding for user inputs in package creation endpoints
Content Security Policy
allImplement strict CSP headers to block inline script execution
Add header: Content-Security-Policy: script-src 'self'
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable package creation functionality for non-administrative users
- Implement web application firewall rules to block XSS payloads in package fields
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Create a test package with <script>alert('XSS')</script> in Name field, then search for it. If alert executes, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
Check composer.json or version file in LavaLite installation directoryVerify Fix Applied:
Attempt same test after patching. Script should be displayed as text, not executed.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual package creation patterns
- HTML/JavaScript in package name/description fields
- Multiple failed login attempts followed by package creation
Network Indicators:
- POST requests to package creation endpoints with script tags
- Unusual search queries returning packages with encoded characters
SIEM Query:
source="web_logs" AND (uri="/packages/create" OR uri="/packages/search") AND (body CONTAINS "<script>" OR body CONTAINS "javascript:")