CVE-2003-0736 in phpWebSite
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in phpWebSite 0.9.x and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary web script via (1) the day parameter in the calendar module, (2) the fatcat_id parameter in the fatcat module, (3) the PAGE_id parameter in the pagemaster module, (4) the PDA_limit parameter in the search, and (5) possibly other parameters in the calendar, fatcat, and pagemaster modules.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/04/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0736 represents a critical cross-site scripting weakness affecting phpWebSite versions 0.9.x and earlier, constituting a significant security risk for web applications. This vulnerability resides within multiple modules of the phpWebSite framework, specifically targeting the calendar, fatcat, and pagemaster modules where user input is not properly sanitized or validated. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users, creating a persistent threat vector that can compromise user sessions and data integrity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding practices within the affected phpWebSite modules. Attackers can exploit the vulnerability by manipulating specific parameters including day, fatcat_id, PAGE_id, and PDA_limit which are processed without adequate sanitization measures. When these parameters are submitted to the server, the application fails to properly escape or validate the input before rendering it in web responses, creating opportunities for malicious script execution. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-79 which defines cross-site scripting as the failure to properly encode output and validate input data.
The operational impact of CVE-2003-0736 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform session hijacking, deface web pages, steal sensitive user information, and potentially escalate privileges within the application. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability affects core modules such as calendar, fatcat, and pagemaster which are likely to be frequently accessed by users. These modules typically handle user-generated content and administrative functions, making them prime targets for exploitation. The vulnerability's presence in search functionality through the PDA_limit parameter further amplifies the risk as search operations are commonly performed by users across all access levels.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of affected phpWebSite installations to version 0.9.1 or later where the XSS issues have been resolved. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms across all user-facing parameters, particularly within the calendar, fatcat, and pagemaster modules. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional defense-in-depth measures to prevent script execution even if input validation fails. Security practitioners should also consider implementing web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious parameter patterns associated with XSS attacks. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which describes the exploitation of web application vulnerabilities for initial access and privilege escalation. Regular security assessments and code reviews focusing on input validation practices are essential to prevent similar issues in other web applications. The remediation process should include thorough testing of all module parameters to ensure that proper sanitization and encoding mechanisms are in place before deployment.