CVE-2001-1522 in PHP-Nuke
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in im.php in IMessenger for PHP-Nuke allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/05/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2001-1522 represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the IMessenger module of PHP-Nuke content management system. This security weakness specifically affects the im.php component which handles instant messaging functionality, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code within the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before rendering it in web pages.
This particular XSS vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which categorizes improper neutralization of input during web output, making it a fundamental web application security flaw that has persisted across numerous systems throughout the history of web development. The attack vector involves remote threat actors who can inject malicious scripts into message fields that are then displayed to other users without proper sanitization. The impact extends beyond simple script execution as it can enable session hijacking, credential theft, and the delivery of malware to unsuspecting users who view the compromised messages.
The operational implications of this vulnerability are significant for PHP-Nuke installations that utilize the IMessenger module, as it essentially allows attackers to compromise the entire user base of affected systems. When users view messages containing malicious payloads, their browsers execute the injected scripts, potentially leading to unauthorized access to their accounts, data exfiltration, and the ability to perform actions on their behalf. This type of vulnerability particularly affects collaborative environments where users frequently exchange messages and communications, making the attack surface broader than typical single-user XSS scenarios.
Organizations and system administrators should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and output encoding for all user-supplied content, particularly within messaging and communication modules. The recommended defense-in-depth approach involves implementing proper content security policies, employing web application firewalls, and ensuring all user inputs are sanitized before being rendered in web contexts. Additionally, regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other components of the PHP-Nuke platform. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which describes social engineering tactics involving the delivery of malicious code through compromised communication channels, making it a critical target for both defensive and offensive security operations.