CVE-2005-4432 in PlaySMS
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in index.php in PlaySMS 0.8 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the err parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-4432 represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the PlaySMS 0.8 web application, specifically affecting the index.php script. This issue resides in the handling of user-supplied input through the err parameter, which is processed without adequate sanitization or output encoding mechanisms. The vulnerability classifies under CWE-79 which defines the weakness of improper neutralization of input during web page generation, making it a prime target for malicious actors seeking to exploit web application security gaps. The PlaySMS platform, designed as an open-source SMS gateway system, becomes susceptible to client-side attacks when users encounter malformed error messages containing injected scripts.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers manipulate the err parameter in the index.php script to inject malicious HTML or JavaScript code. When the application processes this parameter and displays the error message without proper input validation or output encoding, the injected script executes within the context of other users' browsers who view the affected page. This type of vulnerability enables attackers to perform session hijacking, deface web interfaces, steal sensitive information, or redirect users to malicious websites. The flaw demonstrates poor input handling practices where the application fails to distinguish between legitimate application data and potentially harmful user-supplied content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it compromises the integrity and confidentiality of the entire PlaySMS system. Attackers can leverage this weakness to establish persistent access patterns, manipulate user sessions, and potentially escalate privileges within the application. The vulnerability affects all users of PlaySMS 0.8 who encounter error messages, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the application processes user-generated content or handles sensitive communications. This flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which describes social engineering tactics using malicious links, and T1059 which encompasses command and scripting interpreters used for code execution.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-4432 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms. The recommended approach involves sanitizing all user-supplied input through whitelisting techniques or comprehensive HTML encoding before displaying any content within the application interface. Organizations should implement Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution contexts and establish proper error handling procedures that do not expose raw user input to end users. Additionally, upgrading to patched versions of PlaySMS, applying the security updates from the vendor, and conducting regular security assessments of web applications should form part of the remediation process. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation in preventing client-side attacks that can compromise entire web ecosystems.