CVE-2004-1537 in PHPKIT
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in popup.php in PHPKIT 1.6.03 through 1.6.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary web script via the img parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/29/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1537 represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the PHPKIT content management system version 1.6.03 through 1.6.1. This security weakness resides in the popup.php script which fails to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into web page output. The specific parameter affected is the img parameter, which when manipulated by an attacker can be exploited to inject malicious script code that executes in the context of other users' browsers. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-79 which specifically addresses improper neutralization of input during web page generation, making it a direct descendant of the broader class of injection vulnerabilities that plague web applications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL containing script code within the img parameter of the popup.php endpoint. When a victim accesses this specially crafted link, the PHPKIT application processes the img parameter without adequate sanitization or output encoding, allowing the injected script to execute in the victim's browser context. This cross-site scripting attack can be used to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users, redirect victims to malicious sites, or even deface the affected web application. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects a core component of the CMS that handles user interactions and popups, making it accessible through normal user navigation patterns.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-1537 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can serve as a launching point for more sophisticated attacks within the target environment. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access through session hijacking or to perform privilege escalation attacks if the affected application has administrative functions. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor input validation practices that violate fundamental web security principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, specifically addressing the critical issue of injection flaws. Organizations running affected PHPKIT versions face significant risk of data compromise, user impersonation, and potential full system compromise if attackers successfully exploit this weakness. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple minor versions indicates a fundamental flaw in the application's security architecture that was not properly addressed during the software's development lifecycle.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1537 should focus on immediate remediation through software updates to versions that properly address the input validation issue. Organizations should implement proper output encoding for all user-supplied data before rendering it in web pages, which directly addresses the root cause of the vulnerability. Input validation should be implemented at multiple layers including parameter sanitization in the popup.php script and comprehensive validation of all user-provided parameters. Security headers such as Content Security Policy should be implemented to prevent unauthorized script execution, and regular security audits should be conducted to identify similar input handling vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1059.007 technique for script injection, highlighting the importance of defensive measures against such attacks. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls and regular penetration testing to detect and prevent exploitation attempts before they can cause damage to the affected systems.