CVE-2007-6160 in Tilde
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in index.php in Tilde CMS 4.x and earlier allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the aarstal parameter in a yeardetail action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2018
The CVE-2007-6160 vulnerability represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the Tilde CMS 4.x and earlier versions, specifically targeting the index.php script. This vulnerability resides in the web application's input validation mechanisms and manifests when processing user-supplied data through the aarstal parameter during yeardetail actions. The flaw enables remote attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of other users' browsers, potentially compromising the security of the entire CMS environment and its user base.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user input parameters within the CMS framework. When the yeardetail action processes the aarstal parameter, the application fails to properly validate or escape the input before incorporating it into dynamic web content. This omission creates an opening for attackers to inject malicious HTML or JavaScript code that gets executed in the victim's browser when they view the affected page. The vulnerability classifies under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in web applications, where improper input validation allows malicious code injection into web pages viewed by other users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can facilitate more sophisticated attacks within the CMS environment. An attacker could potentially exploit this flaw to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or even modify content within the CMS interface. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that handle sensitive user data or administrative functions. This vulnerability essentially undermines the trust model of the web application, allowing attackers to impersonate legitimate users and potentially gain unauthorized access to administrative features.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-6160 should focus on implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application. The most effective immediate solution involves sanitizing all user-supplied parameters before they are processed or rendered in web pages, particularly addressing the specific aarstal parameter within the yeardetail action. Organizations should implement context-specific output encoding to ensure that any potentially malicious input is rendered harmless when displayed to users. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security audits and input validation testing, as recommended by security frameworks such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. The remediation process should include upgrading to Tilde CMS versions that have addressed this vulnerability, as well as implementing web application firewalls and security monitoring systems to detect and prevent similar attacks. This vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the necessity for robust security practices in web application development, emphasizing the need for comprehensive input validation and the principle of least privilege in application design.