CVE-2004-2352 in gBook
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in GBook for PHP-Nuke 1.0 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via cookies that are stored in the $_COOKIE PHP variable, which is not cleansed by PHP-Nuke.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/29/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-2352 represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the GBook module of PHP-Nuke version 1.0, classified under CWE-79 as improper neutralization of input during web page generation. This security weakness specifically targets the handling of user-supplied data through HTTP cookies, which are automatically stored in the PHP $_COOKIE superglobal variable. The vulnerability occurs because the application fails to sanitize or validate cookie data before processing it, creating an exploitable condition where malicious actors can inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content directly into the application's response.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages the fundamental design flaw in PHP-Nuke's input handling mechanisms, where cookie values are directly incorporated into web page output without proper sanitization or encoding. When users interact with the GBook module, their browser cookies containing potentially malicious content are processed by the application and subsequently rendered in the web browser context. This creates a persistent XSS vector where attackers can store malicious scripts within cookies that are then executed whenever other users access the vulnerable application, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that rely on user session management through cookies.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with the capability to steal user sessions, deface web pages, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the application layer, where attackers can exploit the trust relationship between the web application and its users. This type of vulnerability falls under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically through the use of web shells or malicious scripts that can be executed in the victim's browser context.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-2352 should focus on implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application codebase. The recommended approach includes sanitizing all cookie data before processing, implementing Content Security Policy headers, and ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly escaped when rendered in web contexts. Organizations should also consider upgrading from the vulnerable PHP-Nuke 1.0 version to patched releases, as this vulnerability was addressed in subsequent versions through improved input sanitization routines. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation, aligning with security frameworks that emphasize defense in depth and the principle of least privilege in web application development.