CVE-2008-0400 in modern
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in header.tpl.php in the modern template for Singapore 0.10.1 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the gallery parameter to default.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/19/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-0400 represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw that emerged in the modern template for Singapore version 0.10.1. This issue specifically affects the header.tpl.php file within the template structure, making it a critical concern for web applications that rely on user input for dynamic content generation. The vulnerability manifests when the gallery parameter in default.php fails to properly sanitize or validate input from remote attackers, creating an opening for malicious code injection. This particular implementation flaw demonstrates poor input handling practices that have been consistently identified as a primary vector for XSS attacks across numerous web applications over the years.
The technical execution of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of the gallery parameter through the default.php script, which then passes this unvalidated input directly into the header.tpl.php template file. When the web application renders the page, the malicious script or HTML code becomes part of the page content, executing in the context of the victim's browser session. This allows attackers to potentially steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, deface web pages, or perform other malicious activities that compromise user security and application integrity. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is categorized as a weakness in the input validation and output encoding mechanisms of web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can lead to significant security breaches and data compromise. When attackers successfully exploit this vulnerability, they can hijack user sessions, gain unauthorized access to sensitive information, or manipulate the application's behavior in ways that may go undetected for extended periods. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it leverages the legitimate template rendering process, making it difficult for traditional security measures to distinguish between benign and malicious content. This vulnerability represents a fundamental flaw in the application's security architecture and demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and output encoding practices.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application stack. The most effective approach involves sanitizing all user-supplied input before it is processed or rendered in the template files, ensuring that any potentially malicious content is neutralized or removed. Implementing proper context-aware output encoding for different types of content, such as HTML, JavaScript, and URL parameters, provides additional layers of protection against similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing content security policies and using web application firewalls to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The remediation process requires updating the affected template files to properly handle the gallery parameter, ensuring that all input undergoes appropriate validation and sanitization before being incorporated into the rendered output. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for comprehensive security testing and the implementation of defense-in-depth strategies that protect against the full spectrum of web application vulnerabilities.