CVE-2006-3902 in TopSites
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in index.php in phpFaber TopSites 2.0.9 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the i_cat parameter. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/01/2018
This cross-site scripting vulnerability exists in phpFaber TopSites version 2.0.9 where the index.php script fails to properly sanitize user input passed through the i_cat parameter. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious web script or HTML code that executes in the context of other users' browsers when they view affected pages. This represents a classic reflected XSS vulnerability where malicious input is immediately reflected back to users without adequate input validation or output encoding mechanisms. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to implement proper security controls that would prevent malicious payloads from being executed in user contexts, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that rely on user-generated content or parameter-based navigation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in input sanitization practices within the phpFaber TopSites application. When the i_cat parameter is processed by index.php, the application does not perform adequate validation or encoding of the input before incorporating it into the HTML response. This creates an environment where attackers can craft malicious URLs containing script tags or other HTML elements that get executed when users click on links or navigate to affected pages. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through various vectors including phishing attacks, social engineering, or by embedding malicious links in other web content. According to CWE standards, this maps to CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities, while the ATT&CK framework would classify this under T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution as it leverages web browser vulnerabilities to execute malicious code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks including session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration. An attacker could craft malicious payloads that steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or inject malicious content that persists in the application's user interface. This vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of user data as well as the overall security posture of the web application. Users who visit pages containing the malicious input could unknowingly execute code that compromises their browser sessions or provides attackers with unauthorized access to their accounts. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in multi-user environments where the application serves multiple users, as it can be used to target specific individuals or affect all users within the application's scope.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application. The primary fix involves sanitizing all user input parameters including i_cat before they are processed or rendered in HTML responses. This can be achieved through the implementation of proper HTML entity encoding, input validation routines, and the use of security libraries that automatically handle XSS prevention. Organizations should also implement Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution and prevent unauthorized code from running in user contexts. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. Additionally, the application should be updated to newer versions of phpFaber TopSites that address this known vulnerability, as maintaining outdated software increases exposure to various security threats and exploits. The vulnerability underscores the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect web applications from common attack vectors.