CVE-2004-1840 in MS Analysis Module
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in MS Analysis module 2.0 for PHP-Nuke allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) screen parameter to modules.php, (2) module_name parameter to title.php, (3) sortby parameter to modules.php, or (4) overview parameter to modules.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-1840 represents a critical cross-site scripting weakness affecting the MS Analysis module 2.0 within the PHP-Nuke content management system. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into dynamic web page content. The flaw exists in multiple entry points within the application's module handling system, specifically targeting parameters that control page rendering and data display. Attackers can exploit these weaknesses to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of other users' browsers, potentially compromising user sessions and data integrity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves four distinct attack vectors that all share the common weakness of improper parameter handling. The screen parameter in modules.php, the module_name parameter in title.php, the sortby parameter in modules.php, and the overview parameter in modules.php all accept user input without adequate sanitization. This allows attackers to craft malicious payloads that get executed when other users browse affected pages. The vulnerability specifically affects the MS Analysis module 2.0 which is part of the broader PHP-Nuke ecosystem, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged to target users of various PHP-Nuke installations. The attack requires no authentication and can be executed remotely, making it highly exploitable within the context of web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it creates potential pathways for more sophisticated attacks within the target environment. When successful, these XSS exploits can lead to session hijacking, credential theft, and unauthorized access to user accounts. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of PHP-Nuke's module system, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate module displays, redirect users to malicious sites, or even execute arbitrary commands if additional vulnerabilities exist within the system. The broad scope of affected parameters means that attackers have multiple opportunities to craft successful attacks, increasing the likelihood of exploitation. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-79 which defines the weakness of cross-site scripting in web applications, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 which covers the use of malicious content through web applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1840 should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the affected PHP-Nuke installation. The most effective immediate solution involves updating to the latest version of the MS Analysis module or applying the vendor-supplied patches that address the specific parameter handling issues. Organizations should implement strict input validation for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in dynamic content generation, and ensure that all output is properly encoded to prevent script execution. Regular security audits should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other modules and components of the PHP-Nuke system. Additionally, implementing a web application firewall with XSS detection capabilities can provide an additional layer of protection against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input sanitization and proper parameter handling in web application security, as outlined in security best practices established by organizations such as OWASP and NIST.