CVE-2007-6455 in Mambo
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in index.php in Mambo 4.6.2 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) Itemid parameter in a com_frontpage option and the (2) option parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-6455 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in Mambo 4.6.2 content management system. This vulnerability resides within the index.php file and manifests through two distinct attack vectors that exploit parameter handling mechanisms. The first vector targets the Itemid parameter when utilized within the com_frontpage option, while the second vector exploits the option parameter itself. Both attack paths enable remote adversaries to inject malicious web scripts or HTML content into the targeted web application, creating a significant security risk for organizations utilizing this version of Mambo.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization within the Mambo application's parameter processing logic. When the application receives requests containing the vulnerable parameters, it fails to properly sanitize or escape user-supplied input before incorporating it into dynamically generated web pages. This inadequate input handling creates opportunities for attackers to embed malicious scripts that execute within the context of other users' browsers who visit affected pages. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically targets the web server's response generation mechanism where user input is directly reflected without proper security controls.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-6455 extends beyond simple data theft or defacement, as it enables attackers to establish persistent malicious presence within the target environment. Successful exploitation allows threat actors to execute arbitrary code in the browsers of unsuspecting users, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of Mambo's frontpage component, making it particularly dangerous as it can compromise the main entry point of the website. This type of vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and demonstrates inadequate secure coding practices that leave the application surface exposed to client-side attacks.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and output encoding for all user-supplied parameters. The recommended approach involves implementing proper parameter sanitization routines that filter or escape special characters before processing user input. Security measures should include validating parameter values against expected formats and implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which categorizes cross-site scripting flaws, and represents a clear violation of security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-53. The ATT&CK framework would classify this as a web application attack vector under the technique of code injection, specifically targeting client-side execution environments.
The remediation strategy should prioritize immediate patching of the Mambo 4.6.2 installation to the latest available version that addresses this vulnerability. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security audits of all web applications to identify similar input validation weaknesses. Implementing web application firewalls and regular security testing can provide additional protection layers. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and implementing robust input validation mechanisms. Organizations should also consider establishing secure coding guidelines that specifically address parameter handling and output encoding to prevent similar issues in future development cycles.