CVE-2005-4516 in PHP-Fusion
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in PHP-Fusion 6.00.200 through 6.00.300 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via (1) the sortby parameter in members.php and (2) IMG tags.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/21/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-4516 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting PHP-Fusion content management systems within the version range of 6.00.200 through 6.00.300. This vulnerability resides in the web application's handling of user input parameters and HTML content processing, creating exploitable entry points that enable remote attackers to execute malicious scripts within the context of other users' browsers. The flaw specifically manifests in two distinct attack vectors that leverage different input manipulation techniques to bypass security controls implemented by the CMS.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the PHP-Fusion application code. Attackers can exploit the first vector by manipulating the sortby parameter in the members.php script, which fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into dynamically generated web pages. This allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary HTML and JavaScript code that executes when other users view the affected pages. The second vector involves the improper handling of IMG tags, where the application does not adequately validate or escape image source attributes, enabling attackers to inject malicious code through image-related parameters.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it creates a persistent threat vector that can be leveraged for various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration. When exploited, these XSS vulnerabilities can compromise user sessions, redirect victims to malicious websites, or inject additional malicious content that persists within the application environment. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the CMS by undermining the trust relationship between the application and its users, potentially allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to user accounts and sensitive information stored within the system.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in software applications, and represents a classic example of improper input validation in web applications. The attack patterns associated with this vulnerability map directly to techniques described in the ATT&CK framework under the T1059.001 sub-technique for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as attackers can execute malicious scripts through web-based interfaces. Organizations utilizing affected PHP-Fusion versions should prioritize immediate patching and implement proper input sanitization measures including parameter validation, output encoding, and content security policies to mitigate the risk of exploitation.
The remediation strategy for this vulnerability requires immediate application of security patches released by the PHP-Fusion development team, as well as implementation of comprehensive input validation controls across all user-supplied parameters. Organizations should deploy web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious input patterns, while also implementing strict output encoding mechanisms to prevent malicious code execution. Additionally, regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components, ensuring that the security posture remains robust against evolving threat landscapes. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper input validation and output encoding in web application development, particularly in CMS platforms that handle extensive user-generated content.