Winter CMS Stored XSS through Backend ColorPicker FormWidget
Impact
Users with access to backend forms that include a ColorPicker FormWidget can provide a value that would then be rendered unescaped in the backend form, potentially allowing for a stored XSS attack.
By default, only the Brand Settings (backend.manage_branding) and Mail Brand Settings (system.manage_mail_templates) forms include the colorpicker formwidget, however it is also common for theme's to include it on their Theme Customization (cms.manage_theme_options) form.
Although this was a security issue, it's important to note that its severity is relatively low. To exploit the vulnerability, an attacker would already need to have trusted access to the Winter CMS backend and they would then need to convince a user with higher privileges than them to visit an affected Form in the backend.
These two factors limit the potential harm of this vulnerability. That being said, all users are advised to update to the latest version (1.2.4) to ensure their systems remain secure.
Patches
This issue has been patched in v1.2.4.
Workarounds
Apply https://github.com/wintercms/winter/commit/517f65dfae679b57575b047de13c5af48915a5ba manually if unable to upgrade to v1.2.4.
Affected software
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| Platform | Package | Vulnerable versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composer package | winter/wn-backend-module | < 1.2.4 | 1.2.4 |
References
- CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:H/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:N- Weakness (CWE)
CWE-79- Platform
- Composer
- Package
winter/wn-backend-module- Disclosed
- 28.12.2023
- Updated
- 11.10.2026 10:22
Sources and licenses
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - GHSA-43w4-4j3c-jx29 - CC BY 4.0
Vulnerability history: winter/wn-backend-module
All published vulnerabilities of this package (Composer package), newest first. Shows whether this is a one-off slip or a package that needs watching.
- Total entries
- 15
- First → latest
- 12.2023 08.2026
- Without a fix
- 0
- Exploited in attacks
- 0
Severity breakdown
- Critical 1
- High 4
- Medium 7
- Low 3
Disclosures per year
- 2023: 1
- 2024: 1
- 2025: 0
- 2026: 13
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Winter CMS Stored XSS through Backend ColorPicker FormWidget this entry
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