CVE-2002-0217 in Xoops
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (CSS) vulnerabilities in the Private Message System for XOOPS 1.0 RC1 allow remote attackers to execute Javascript on other web clients via (1) the Title field or a Private Message Box or (2) the image field parameter in pmlite.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/21/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0217 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Private Message System of XOOPS version 1.0 RC1, a popular content management system and web application framework. This vulnerability specifically targets the input validation mechanisms that should protect against malicious code injection, creating a dangerous attack surface where remote threat actors can manipulate user sessions and compromise web client security. The flaw resides in the message handling components of the system, particularly affecting how the application processes user-supplied data in private messaging contexts.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of user input fields within the XOOPS messaging system. Attackers can exploit this weakness by injecting malicious javascript code through the Title field of private messages or through the image field parameter in the pmlite.php script. The vulnerability manifests when the system fails to properly escape or filter special characters in user-provided content, allowing attackers to inject executable javascript code that gets rendered in the browsers of other users who view the malicious messages. This type of flaw directly maps to CWE-79, which describes Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities where untrusted data is incorporated into web pages without proper validation or escaping mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable sophisticated attacks including session hijacking, credential theft, and redirection to malicious sites. When users receive or view malicious private messages, their browsers execute the injected javascript code, potentially allowing attackers to steal session cookies, modify page content, or perform actions on behalf of the victim. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it operates within the trusted messaging system of a web application, making it more likely that users will interact with the malicious content. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers social engineering tactics using malicious content in web applications, and T1059, which involves executing malicious code through command and scripting interpreters.
The security implications of CVE-2002-0217 are severe as it undermines the fundamental security assumptions of web applications, particularly those relying on user-generated content for communication features. The vulnerability affects the integrity of user sessions and can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information or system compromise. Organizations using XOOPS 1.0 RC1 or similar vulnerable versions face significant risk of data breaches and user account compromise. The attack requires minimal technical expertise to exploit, making it particularly dangerous for widespread deployment. Remediation involves implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms, ensuring that all user-supplied data is sanitized before being processed or displayed in web contexts. This includes applying the principle of least privilege in data handling and implementing comprehensive content security policies to prevent unauthorized script execution in web applications.