CVE-2006-7149 in Mambo
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in Mambo 4.6.x allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via (1) the query string to (a) index.php, which reflects the string in an error message from mod_login.php; and the (2) mcname parameter to (b) moscomment.php and (c) com_comment.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/26/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-7149 represents a critical cross-site scripting weakness affecting Mambo 4.6.x content management systems. This vulnerability manifests through multiple attack vectors that collectively enable remote attackers to execute malicious scripts within the context of victim browsers. The flaw specifically resides in how the system processes user input through query strings and parameter handling, creating persistent injection points that can be exploited to compromise user sessions and data integrity. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and demonstrates a fundamental failure in input validation and output sanitization mechanisms within the Mambo platform's codebase.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the improper handling of user-supplied data in two distinct pathways. The primary vector involves the query string parameter processed by index.php which reflects user input directly into error messages generated by mod_login.php without adequate sanitization. This reflection pattern creates an ideal environment for XSS exploitation where malicious payloads can be executed when the error message is rendered in the browser context. Additionally, the vulnerability extends to the mcname parameter within both moscomment.php and com_comment.php files, where similar input handling flaws allow attackers to inject malicious scripts that persist in the comment submission process. These vulnerabilities align with CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in web applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-7149 extends beyond simple script execution to encompass potential session hijacking, data theft, and unauthorized administrative access. When exploited, these vulnerabilities can enable attackers to steal user authentication cookies, redirect victims to malicious sites, or inject malicious content that modifies the website's behavior. The reflected nature of the vulnerability means that attacks can be delivered through simple URL manipulation, making them particularly dangerous as they can be easily shared and executed by unsuspecting users. The attack surface is amplified by the fact that these vulnerabilities affect core authentication and commenting functionalities, which are frequently accessed by both regular users and administrators. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript) and T1531 (Account Access Removal) as attackers can leverage the XSS to escalate privileges and manipulate user accounts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-7149 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application code, particularly around the affected parameter handling points. Developers should ensure that all user-supplied data is sanitized before being processed or displayed, with special attention to HTML and JavaScript characters that could be exploited. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional defense-in-depth measures to prevent script execution. Organizations should also consider upgrading to patched versions of Mambo 4.6.x or migrating to more secure CMS platforms that have addressed these vulnerabilities. Regular security code reviews and automated vulnerability scanning should be implemented to identify similar input handling flaws in other application components. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of secure coding practices and demonstrates how seemingly minor input validation failures can create significant security risks in web applications.