CVE-2006-2011 in 4images
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in member.php in 4images 1.7 and earlier allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the nickname, probably involving the user_name parameter in register.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/25/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-2011 represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw affecting the 4images content management system version 1.7 and earlier. This vulnerability resides within the member.php script and demonstrates a critical weakness in input validation and output sanitization mechanisms. The flaw specifically targets the nickname parameter, which is likely processed through the user_name parameter in the register.php script, creating an attack vector that allows remote malicious actors to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content into the application's user interface.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of user-supplied input data. When users register or update their profiles, the system fails to properly sanitize the nickname field before rendering it within web pages, creating an environment where malicious scripts can be executed in the context of other users' browsers. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which describes the use of client-side exploits to execute arbitrary code in user browsers. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the user interface level, allowing attackers to manipulate how user data appears to other users, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data corruption or display manipulation. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute malicious code within the browser context of unsuspecting users, potentially stealing session cookies, modifying user preferences, or redirecting users to phishing sites. The vulnerability affects the entire user base of the 4images system, as any user whose nickname is displayed on the site becomes a potential target. This creates a cascading effect where a single compromised user account can lead to broader system compromise through social engineering attacks or credential theft. The attack requires minimal technical expertise and can be executed through simple web requests, making it particularly dangerous in environments where user-generated content is prevalent.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary fix involves implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding for all user-supplied data, particularly fields that are rendered in web pages. This includes sanitizing the nickname parameter through proper HTML escaping techniques before storing or displaying user input. Organizations should also implement Content Security Policy headers to prevent unauthorized script execution, and consider implementing additional layers of security such as input length restrictions and character set validation. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper data sanitization, as outlined in OWASP Top Ten security principles, particularly the need to prevent injection flaws that can lead to XSS attacks. Regular security audits and input validation testing should be implemented to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future releases.