CVE-2008-0284 in Simple Machines Smf
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Simple Machines Forum (SMF) 1.1.4 and earlier allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via (1) Itemid or (2) topic arguments.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2017
The CVE-2008-0284 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in Simple Machines Forum version 1.1.4 and earlier implementations. This vulnerability resides within the forum's parameter handling mechanisms, specifically affecting how the application processes the Itemid and topic arguments in its URL structure. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious web scripts or HTML content directly into the forum's user interface, creating a persistent security risk that can affect all users interacting with the vulnerable platform.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of URL parameters that the SMF application fails to properly sanitize or validate. When users navigate to forum pages containing maliciously crafted Itemid or topic parameters, the vulnerable code does not adequately escape or filter user-supplied input before rendering it in the web page context. This failure in input validation creates an environment where attacker-controlled content can be executed within the browser context of legitimate users, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious websites.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to forum administrators and their user communities. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it can be delivered through normal forum navigation without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a compromised page. Users may unknowingly encounter malicious content when browsing topics or clicking on links, making the attack surface broad and difficult to monitor effectively. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the forum by compromising user trust and potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges within the application context.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications. The issue demonstrates poor input validation practices that violate fundamental secure coding principles and represents a classic example of how parameter handling can create persistent security weaknesses. According to ATT&CK framework category TA0001, this vulnerability enables initial access and privilege escalation through web application exploitation techniques. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected SMF installations, implement proper input validation at all entry points, and consider deploying web application firewalls to mitigate potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and input sanitization practices that align with OWASP Top Ten security recommendations for preventing web application vulnerabilities.