CVE-2007-5983 in AutoIndex PHP Script
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in index.php in Justin Hagstrom AutoIndex PHP Script before 2.2.3 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the PATH_INFO (PHP_SELF).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-5983 represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the Justin Hagstrom AutoIndex PHP Script version 2.2.2 and earlier. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting attacks where malicious scripts are injected into otherwise trusted websites. The vulnerability manifests through the improper handling of user input within the PATH_INFO parameter, which is automatically populated by PHP when using the mod_rewrite module or similar URL rewriting mechanisms. When the AutoIndex script processes this parameter without adequate sanitization or output encoding, it creates an opening for malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML content within the context of other users' browsers.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL that includes script code within the PATH_INFO portion of the request. The PHP_SELF variable, which contains the script name and path information, becomes the vector through which the malicious payload is transmitted. When the vulnerable AutoIndex script processes this information and displays it without proper input validation or output encoding, the injected script code gets executed in the victim's browser session. This creates a persistent threat where any user browsing to the affected directory could potentially be exposed to the malicious content, which might include cookie theft, session hijacking, or redirection to phishing sites.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it fundamentally compromises the security model of the web application. Users who access directories managed by the AutoIndex script become unwitting participants in the attack, with their browsers executing the malicious code as if it were legitimate content from the trusted website. The vulnerability affects the principle of least privilege and can lead to privilege escalation scenarios where attackers might gain unauthorized access to sensitive information or perform actions on behalf of legitimate users. This type of attack can be particularly dangerous in environments where the AutoIndex script is used to manage shared directories or public file repositories, as it provides attackers with a mechanism to compromise multiple user sessions simultaneously.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation and output encoding mechanisms. The most effective approach involves sanitizing all user-provided input, particularly parameters derived from PATH_INFO or PHP_SELF, before they are processed or displayed. This includes implementing proper HTML entity encoding when outputting any user-controllable data to web pages. Organizations should also consider updating to version 2.2.3 or later of the AutoIndex script, as this release includes the necessary patches to address the XSS vulnerability. Additional protective measures include implementing Content Security Policy headers, which can prevent the execution of unauthorized scripts even if the vulnerability is somehow exploited. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper web application security testing and the need for developers to follow secure coding practices that prevent the injection of untrusted data into web responses, aligning with the ATT&CK framework's methodology for identifying and mitigating web-based attack vectors through proper input handling and output sanitization techniques.