CVE-2008-0190 in AwesomeTemplateEngine
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in templates/example_template.php in AwesomeTemplateEngine allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) data[title], (2) data[message], (3) data[table][1][item], (4) data[table][1][url], or (5) data[poweredby] parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/24/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0190 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the AwesomeTemplateEngine software ecosystem. This vulnerability exists in the templates/example_template.php file and exposes multiple injection points that can be exploited by remote attackers to execute malicious web scripts or HTML content within the context of affected users' browsers. The flaw specifically targets five distinct parameter vectors including data[title], data[message], data[table][1][item], data[table][1][url], and data[poweredby] which collectively provide attackers with multiple pathways to inject malicious payloads. The vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which categorizes cross-site scripting as a weakness that allows attackers to inject client-side scripts into web applications that are viewed by other users. This classification directly aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1190 which describes the exploitation of web application vulnerabilities to execute malicious code in the context of a victim's browser session.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization within the template engine's processing logic. When user-supplied data is directly incorporated into the generated HTML output without proper sanitization or encoding, it creates an environment where attacker-controlled content can be interpreted as executable script rather than static text. The affected parameters represent common data entry points within web forms and template structures where users might provide content for display on web pages. The specific nature of the vulnerability indicates that the application fails to properly escape or validate user input before rendering it within the HTML context, allowing attackers to inject HTML tags and JavaScript code that executes in the victim's browser. The template-based nature of the vulnerability suggests that the application uses a template system that processes user input through a series of variable substitutions without sufficient security measures to prevent malicious content injection.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks within the victim's browser context. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, deface web pages, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. The presence of multiple injection points increases the attack surface and provides attackers with greater flexibility in crafting successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability particularly affects web applications that rely on the AwesomeTemplateEngine for dynamic content generation, potentially compromising thousands of users who interact with affected systems. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous as attackers can target vulnerable applications from anywhere on the internet. This vulnerability essentially allows for persistent malicious code execution within user browsers, creating a potential for long-term compromise and data exfiltration.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application stack. The most effective immediate solution involves sanitizing all user-supplied input before processing or rendering, particularly for the identified parameter vectors. Implementing proper HTML escaping for all dynamic content insertion points will prevent malicious scripts from executing in the browser context. Organizations should also consider implementing Content Security Policy headers to add an additional layer of protection against script injection attacks. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to standards such as the OWASP Top Ten and the CWE guidelines for preventing cross-site scripting vulnerabilities. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and monitoring for unusual data submissions can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The fix should involve updating the AwesomeTemplateEngine to properly sanitize all template variables and ensure that no user input is directly rendered without appropriate encoding or validation measures.