CVE-2007-2099 in Back-End CMS
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in htdocs/php.php in OpenConcept Back-End CMS 0.4.7 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the page[] parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2099 represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the OpenConcept Back-End CMS version 0.4.7, specifically affecting the htdocs/php.php component. This issue arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into dynamically generated web content. The vulnerability manifests when the application processes the page[] parameter without adequate protection against malicious script injection attempts, creating a persistent security weakness that can be exploited by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code within the context of a victim's browser session.
The technical exploitation of this XSS vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the page[] parameter which is directly incorporated into the web application's output without proper sanitization. Attackers can craft malicious payloads containing javascript code or html tags that get executed when other users browse pages that contain the vulnerable parameter. This allows for a range of malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, redirection to malicious sites, and defacement of web content. The vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which categorizes improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically addressing the failure to sanitize user input before incorporating it into web responses. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental weakness in the application's data handling processes and represents a failure to implement proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or defacement, as it provides attackers with persistent access to user sessions and potentially sensitive administrative functions within the CMS. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to establish footholds within the web application environment, potentially escalating privileges or accessing restricted areas of the system. The vulnerability affects any user who interacts with pages utilizing the affected php.php script, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where administrative functions are accessible. This weakness can be exploited through various attack vectors including phishing emails, compromised websites, or direct injection into web forms, making it difficult to contain and trace. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which describes the use of malicious content to gain initial access to systems through social engineering and web-based attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-2099 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the OpenConcept CMS. The most effective approach involves implementing strict input sanitization that filters or escapes special characters in user-supplied data before processing, particularly for parameters like page[]. Additionally, developers should implement Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution contexts and prevent unauthorized code injection. The application should employ proper output encoding techniques such as HTML entity encoding when rendering user-provided content in web pages. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads attempting to exploit this vulnerability. Regular security audits and input validation reviews are essential to prevent similar issues in future releases. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation in web applications, particularly for content management systems that handle user-generated content and administrative functions.