CVE-2017-9070: MODX Revolution Cross-Site Scripting Vulnerability

modx/revolution Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

17/05/2022
Yes i
Moderate
5.4

CVE-2017-9070: MODX Revolution cross-site scripting vulnerability. Affects modx/revolution versions < 2.5.7. Fixed in 2.5.7. How to fix ↓

Free scan

Check if this vulnerability affects your application

Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.

Check my app free

No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds

Upload your dependency manifest or SBOM

Drag & drop your file here or

Java Javascript PHP Python Go Rust Ruby Dart C/C++ Elixir CycloneDX SPDX

Upload a supported dependency manifest or SBOM. No installation or source-code access required.

See supported files and SBOM formats
SBOM sbom.json · bom.json · bom.xml · *.spdx.json · *.cdx.json · *.cdx.xml
Java pom.xml · gradle.lockfile · buildscript-gradle.lockfile
Javascript package-lock.json · yarn.lock · pnpm-lock.yaml
PHP composer.lock
Python poetry.lock · requirements.txt · Pipfile.lock
Go go.mod
Rust Cargo.lock
Ruby Gemfile.lock
Dart pubspec.lock
C/C++ conan.lock
Elixir mix.lock
Enter your work email to receive your report link.

Verify your email to view the full report and start 30 days of continuous monitoring. No credit card required.

Sponsored MarkAI Find prospects already talking about the problem you solve AI watches the communities your customers use to find qualified prospects, then alerts you when a conversation is worth joining. See MarkAI

Background

MODX Revolution is an open-source content management system (CMS) that allows users to create and manage websites with ease. It is known for its flexibility and scalability, catering to both developers and non-technical users. However, prior to version 2.5.7, MODX Revolution had a vulnerability that allowed users with resource edit permissions to inject malicious scripts into post titles, posing a significant security risk.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9070 is a cross-site scripting (XSS) flaw present in MODX Revolution versions before 2.5.7. It arises when a user with resource edit permissions can inject an XSS payload through the 'pagetitle' parameter in the connectors/index.php file. This could lead to unauthorized script execution in the context of other users, potentially compromising sensitive data and user sessions.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

2.5.7

This is the first release that contains the fix.

composer require modx/revolution:2.5.7

Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →

Workaround

As a temporary workaround, restrict resource edit permissions to trusted users only, minimizing the risk of XSS attacks until the package is updated.

Conclusion

The MODX Revolution cross-site scripting vulnerability (CVE-2017-9070) poses a significant risk to users with resource edit permissions. It is crucial to update to version 2.5.7 or later to protect against potential attacks. Implementing temporary workarounds can help mitigate risks until the update is completed.

See every vulnerability recorded for modx/revolution →

Share this vulnerability

FAQ

The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 5.4, indicating a moderate severity level.

You can use Vulert's playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without requiring any signup.

If exploited, this vulnerability could allow attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of other users, leading to data theft, session hijacking, or other malicious activities.

Yes, Vulert provides a service that monitors and alerts you in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities in your software using just the composer.lock file.

If immediate updating is not possible, ensure that only trusted users have resource edit permissions to mitigate the risk of exploitation.

Related vulnerabilities

Recent vulnerabilities recorded for modx/revolution.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

2.5.7

This is the first release that contains the fix.

composer require modx/revolution:2.5.7

Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →

Subscribe to Vulert on Telegram
Daily digest of new CVEs, critical and high severity, affected packages and fixes — plus a weekly roundup.
Join the channel →
Help improve this record
Report an issue or send feedback