CVE-2007-2235 in PunBB
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in PunBB 1.2.14 and earlier allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) Referer HTTP header to misc.php or the (2) category name when deleting a category in admin_categories.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/29/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2235 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting PunBB versions 1.2.14 and earlier. This vulnerability exists within the forum software's handling of user input and HTTP headers, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute malicious scripts within the context of other users' browsers. The flaw specifically manifests in two distinct attack vectors that exploit the application's insufficient input validation and output sanitization mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through two primary methods of exploitation. The first vector targets the Referer HTTP header processing within the misc.php script, where the application fails to properly sanitize this header before incorporating it into dynamic web content. The second vector exploits the category name parameter during administrative category deletion operations in admin_categories.php, where user-supplied category names are not adequately validated or escaped before being rendered in the web interface. Both attack paths demonstrate a classic lack of proper input sanitization that violates fundamental web security principles.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML content within the browser context of authenticated users. The implications extend beyond simple script execution, as attackers could potentially steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users, or redirect victims to malicious sites. The attack requires no privileged access or authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited against any user who visits affected pages. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it affects administrative functions, potentially allowing attackers to gain elevated privileges or compromise the entire forum infrastructure.
The security implications of CVE-2007-2235 align with CWE-79, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities in software applications. This classification indicates that the flaw represents a failure in input validation and output encoding that allows malicious data to be interpreted as executable code. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which describes the use of script-based attacks through web interfaces. The exploitation of these vectors demonstrates poor secure coding practices and highlights the critical importance of implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout web applications. Organizations should implement comprehensive mitigation strategies including immediate patching, input validation improvements, and regular security assessments to address similar vulnerabilities in their web applications.
The vulnerability underscores the necessity of applying security principles such as the principle of least privilege and defense in depth. The flaw represents a failure in the application's security architecture where user input is not properly sanitized before being rendered in web pages. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of implementing secure coding practices and conducting regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in web applications. The attack vectors demonstrate how seemingly innocuous HTTP headers and administrative parameters can become entry points for sophisticated attacks, emphasizing the need for comprehensive input validation across all application components.