CVE-2005-2465 in PCXP TOPPE CMS
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in pm.php in PCXP/TOPPE CMS allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the msg variable.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2017
The CVE-2005-2465 vulnerability represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the PCXP/TOPPE Content Management System, specifically affecting the pm.php script. This vulnerability resides in the handling of user-supplied input through the msg parameter, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-provided content before rendering it within the web application interface.
The technical nature of this flaw aligns with CWE-79, which categorizes cross-site scripting vulnerabilities as weaknesses in input validation and output encoding. The vulnerability operates by allowing attackers to inject malicious payloads through the msg variable in the pm.php script, which then gets executed when other users view the affected content. This creates a persistent threat where legitimate users' browsers execute attacker-controlled code, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The vulnerability demonstrates a critical failure in the application's security architecture, as it violates fundamental principles of secure web application development by not implementing proper input sanitization or output encoding measures.
Operationally, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations using the PCXP/TOPPE CMS, as it enables attackers to compromise user sessions and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. The impact extends beyond simple script injection, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to steal cookies, modify user permissions, or redirect users to phishing sites. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where users trust the CMS application, as the malicious code executes in the context of the authenticated user's session. Security analysts should note that this vulnerability represents a common attack vector that has been consistently exploited in various web applications, making it a critical concern for organizations maintaining legacy systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-2465 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected CMS version, as the vulnerability has been known for over a decade and likely has established remediation procedures. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation mechanisms that sanitize all user-supplied data before processing, utilizing proper output encoding techniques to prevent script execution. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection layers against XSS attacks, while regular security audits should verify that all input fields are properly validated. According to ATT&CK framework category T1190, this vulnerability falls under the "Exploit Public-Facing Application" technique, making it a prime target for automated exploitation tools. Organizations should also consider implementing Web Application Firewalls to detect and block suspicious input patterns, and establish proper security training for developers to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future application development cycles.