CVE-2007-3886 in Element CMS
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in default.asp in Element CMS allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the s parameter in a search pID action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/21/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-3886 represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the Element CMS content management system, specifically affecting the default.asp component. This weakness enables malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of authenticated users' browsers, creating a significant security risk for websites utilizing this particular CMS version. The vulnerability manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize user input passed through the s parameter during search operations with pID actions, allowing attackers to inject malicious payloads that persist and execute in the victim's browser environment.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which categorizes cross-site scripting as a code injection flaw where untrusted data is embedded into web pages without proper validation or escaping mechanisms. The flaw occurs in the search functionality of Element CMS where the s parameter is directly incorporated into the page output without adequate sanitization, creating an opening for attackers to craft malicious URLs containing script tags or other HTML elements. When legitimate users navigate to these crafted URLs or trigger the vulnerable search functionality, their browsers execute the injected code, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further exploitation of the victim's browser environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with persistent access to user sessions and potentially sensitive information within the CMS environment. Attackers can leverage this weakness to steal cookies, modify content, or redirect users to malicious sites, making it particularly dangerous for websites that rely on Element CMS for content management. The vulnerability affects the core search functionality, which is typically frequently used, amplifying its potential impact across the entire user base of affected websites. This type of vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, specifically the use of malicious content delivery to compromise systems through web-based attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-3886 should focus on implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the Element CMS codebase. The most effective approach involves sanitizing all user-supplied input through strict validation processes that reject or escape potentially dangerous characters and patterns before incorporating them into web page output. Organizations should also consider implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit the execution of inline scripts and other security measures that can prevent XSS exploitation. Additionally, upgrading to patched versions of Element CMS or implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious input patterns provides layered protection against this specific vulnerability. Regular security audits and input validation testing should be conducted to ensure that similar weaknesses do not exist in other components of the web application stack, as the vulnerability demonstrates how insufficient sanitization can create persistent security risks in content management systems.