CVE-2004-2752 in PostNuke
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Downloads module in PostNuke up to 0.726, and possibly later versions, allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary HTML and web script via the ttitle parameter in a viewdownloaddetails action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/30/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2752 represents a critical cross-site scripting weakness within the Downloads module of PostNuke content management system versions up to 0.726. This flaw resides in the handling of user-supplied input within the viewdownloaddetails action, specifically targeting the ttitle parameter which is used to display download titles. The vulnerability demonstrates the classic characteristics of a reflected XSS attack where malicious scripts can be injected into web pages viewed by other users, creating a significant security risk for websites utilizing this software. The issue affects not only the specified version but potentially extends to later releases, indicating a persistent flaw in the input sanitization mechanisms of the application's download module.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL containing script code within the ttitle parameter and distributes it to unsuspecting users. When victims click on the malicious link and the page renders the tainted title, the embedded script executes within their browser context, potentially allowing attackers to steal session cookies, deface web pages, or redirect users to malicious sites. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-site Scripting flaws, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for Initial Access through drive-by compromises. The vulnerability exploits the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize user input before rendering it in web pages, creating an environment where attacker-controlled content can be executed as legitimate script.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or defacement, as it provides attackers with a persistent vector for more sophisticated attacks. Once an attacker gains the ability to execute arbitrary scripts in users' browsers, they can establish a foothold for further exploitation including credential theft, session hijacking, and the deployment of malware. Websites running affected PostNuke versions become potential launchpads for broader attacks targeting their user bases, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where users may trust the website content. The reflected nature of the XSS means that the attack is delivered through a single URL or page request, making it easy to distribute and difficult to trace back to the original source, especially when the vulnerable application is not properly configured with security headers or input validation mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper input validation and output encoding within the affected PostNuke installations. Organizations should implement comprehensive input sanitization that filters or escapes special characters in user-supplied data before rendering it in web pages, specifically targeting the ttitle parameter in the downloads module. The recommended approach aligns with OWASP recommendations for XSS prevention, including the implementation of Content Security Policy headers, proper HTML encoding of output, and validation of input parameters against expected formats. System administrators should also consider upgrading to patched versions of PostNuke if available, as this vulnerability likely represents a known flaw that would have been addressed in subsequent releases. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls with XSS detection capabilities can provide an additional layer of protection while the core application vulnerabilities are being addressed through proper code fixes and security hardening measures.