CVE-2002-1070 in PHPWiki
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting vulnerability in PHPWiki Postnuke wiki module allows remote attackers to execute script as other PHPWiki users via the pagename parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1070 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the PHPWiki Postnuke wiki module that enables remote attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. This vulnerability specifically targets the pagename parameter, which serves as an entry point for attackers to manipulate the wiki module's functionality and execute arbitrary code in the context of other users' browsers. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization mechanisms within the wiki module's handling of user-supplied data, creating a persistent security weakness that can be exploited across multiple user sessions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which categorizes cross-site scripting attacks as a result of improper sanitization of user-contaminated data. The vulnerability operates by allowing attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code through the pagename parameter, which is then rendered in subsequent page displays without adequate filtering or encoding. When other users access pages containing the malicious input, their browsers execute the injected scripts, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or unauthorized actions performed on behalf of the compromised users. This type of attack leverages the trust relationship between the web application and its users, exploiting the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize input data before rendering it in web pages.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-1070 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can facilitate more sophisticated attacks within the wiki environment. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to modify wiki content, create malicious pages, or redirect users to phishing sites, potentially compromising the integrity and confidentiality of the entire wiki system. The vulnerability affects the authentication and authorization mechanisms of PHPWiki, as successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized access to restricted wiki features and content. Additionally, the attack can be amplified through social engineering tactics, where attackers craft malicious pagename parameters designed to appear legitimate to unsuspecting users, increasing the likelihood of successful exploitation and making detection more challenging.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary solution involves implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms that sanitize all user-supplied data before processing or rendering. This includes applying proper HTML entity encoding to prevent script execution in web contexts and implementing strict validation rules for the pagename parameter to reject potentially malicious input patterns. Organizations should also consider implementing content security policies and regular security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities in web applications. The remediation process should align with ATT&CK technique T1531, which focuses on ensuring that applications properly validate and sanitize user inputs to prevent injection attacks. Additionally, system administrators should monitor for unusual user activity patterns and implement web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious requests targeting the vulnerable pagename parameter. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security practices and demonstrates how seemingly simple input handling flaws can create significant security risks in collaborative web environments.