CVE-2007-2309 in FloweRS
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in cas.php in FloweRS 2.0 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the den parameter. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/30/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2309 represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the FloweRS 2.0 content management system specifically affecting the cas.php script. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-79 which defines improper neutralization of input during web page generation, commonly known as cross-site scripting. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize user input received through the den parameter, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content that executes in the context of other users' browsers.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the den parameter within the cas.php endpoint, which serves as an entry point for attackers to inject malicious payloads. When legitimate users interact with the vulnerable application, the injected scripts execute in their browser context, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious websites. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it without requiring local system access, making it particularly dangerous in web applications where user interaction is common. This particular implementation flaw demonstrates a lack of proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms that should be implemented to prevent such attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable sophisticated attack chains that leverage the compromised user sessions. Attackers might use the XSS vulnerability to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users, or redirect victims to phishing sites that harvest sensitive information. The vulnerability's presence in a content management system like FloweRS 2.0 amplifies its potential impact since such systems often handle sensitive data and user authentication. According to the ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for scripting languages and T1566 for phishing techniques, as attackers can use the vulnerability to create convincing phishing campaigns that appear legitimate to users. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability affects the core application functionality and can be exploited by anyone who can submit data to the cas.php endpoint.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation and output encoding practices throughout the application. The most effective immediate solution involves sanitizing all user-supplied input through proper encoding before processing or displaying it within the application context. The application should implement Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution and prevent unauthorized code injection. Additionally, developers should employ parameterized queries and input validation libraries to prevent malicious content from being processed. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block common XSS attack patterns. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of following secure coding practices and conducting regular security assessments to identify and remediate such flaws before they can be exploited in the wild. Regular security training for development teams and implementation of automated security scanning tools can significantly reduce the likelihood of similar vulnerabilities being introduced into production systems.