CVE-2007-0529 in PHP Link Directory
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in index.html (aka the administration page) in PHP Link Directory (phpLD) 3.0.6 and earlier allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a crafted link, which is triggered when the administrator uses the "Validate Links" functionality.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2017
The CVE-2007-0529 vulnerability represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the PHP Link Directory administration interface, specifically affecting versions 3.0.6 and earlier. This vulnerability resides in the index.html file which serves as the administrative control panel for the phpLD system, making it a critical entry point for malicious actors seeking to compromise the platform's administrative functions. The vulnerability manifests when administrators interact with the "Validate Links" functionality, which processes user-provided data without adequate sanitization or input validation measures.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the injection of malicious web scripts or HTML content via crafted links that administrators subsequently validate. This creates a persistent XSS vector where the malicious code executes within the administrative context, potentially allowing attackers to gain elevated privileges or access sensitive administrative functions. The vulnerability stems from insufficient output encoding and input validation mechanisms within the phpLD application, particularly in how it handles user-submitted link data during the validation process. According to CWE classification, this represents a CWE-79: Cross-site Scripting vulnerability, which is categorized as a weakness in input validation and output encoding practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with a potential pathway to establish persistent access within the administrative environment. When administrators perform link validation tasks, they inadvertently execute malicious payloads that can capture session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform unauthorized administrative actions. The vulnerability particularly affects systems where administrators regularly validate external links, as the attack surface increases with each validation operation. This creates a significant risk for organizations relying on phpLD for directory management, as successful exploitation could lead to complete administrative compromise and potential data breaches.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-0529 should focus on immediate patching of the affected phpLD versions, as well as implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding measures. Organizations should enforce strict sanitization of all user inputs, particularly those processed through administrative interfaces. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection against script execution, while regular security audits of administrative pages should be conducted. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with T1190: Exploit Public-Facing Application, as it exploits a web application vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to administrative functions. Regular security updates and proper input validation practices should be enforced across all web applications to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future deployments.