CVE-2007-3281 in Php Hosting Biller
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in index.php in Php Hosting Biller 1.0 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the PATH_INFO.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/09/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-3281 represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the Php Hosting Biller 1.0 application, specifically affecting the index.php file. This issue arises from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly process the PATH_INFO server variable. The PATH_INFO parameter is typically used by web servers to pass additional path information to scripts, but when improperly handled, it becomes a vector for malicious code injection. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security flaws documented in the CWE database. The flaw exists because the application does not adequately filter or escape user-supplied input before incorporating it into dynamically generated web content, creating an environment where attackers can execute arbitrary scripts in the context of other users' browsers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it enables attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and data manipulation. When an attacker crafts a malicious PATH_INFO string containing JavaScript code, the vulnerable application processes this input without proper sanitization, resulting in the injected script being executed by unsuspecting users who visit the affected page. This creates a persistent threat vector where the attacker can establish a foothold in the application's user base, potentially gaining access to sensitive billing information, user accounts, or even administrative privileges. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages the PATH_INFO parameter which is often automatically populated by web servers, making it difficult for administrators to predict or control all potential injection points. The attack requires minimal sophistication, as the attacker only needs to craft a malicious URL with the appropriate payload, making this vulnerability highly exploitable in real-world scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application. The most effective approach involves sanitizing all user-supplied input, particularly parameters derived from PATH_INFO, by applying strict validation rules and escaping special characters before processing or displaying content. The application should implement proper HTML escaping routines that convert potentially dangerous characters such as < > & " ' into their respective HTML entities, preventing the execution of injected scripts. Additionally, developers should adopt a defense-in-depth strategy that includes implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution sources, using secure coding practices that prevent direct concatenation of user input with executable code, and regularly updating the application to address known vulnerabilities. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving command and control communication through web application interfaces and credential access through session manipulation. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious PATH_INFO patterns, while establishing regular security testing procedures including dynamic application security testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. The remediation process should include thorough code review to ensure all server variables are properly sanitized, and developers should be trained on secure coding practices to prevent similar issues in future development cycles.