CVE-2008-0574 in webSPELL
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in index.php in webSPELL 4.01.02 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the sort parameter in a whoisonline action.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0574 represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the webSPELL content management system version 4.01.02. This issue manifests in the index.php script where user input is inadequately sanitized, specifically when processing the sort parameter within the whoisonline action. The vulnerability classifies under CWE-79 which defines improper neutralization of input during web page generation, making it a direct descendant of the well-known web application security weakness. The flaw enables malicious actors to inject arbitrary HTML and JavaScript code into web pages viewed by other users, creating a persistent threat vector that can be exploited across multiple sessions and user interactions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL containing specially formatted input in the sort parameter of the whoisonline action. When the webSPELL application processes this parameter without proper input validation or output encoding, the injected script executes within the context of other users' browsers. This behavior aligns with the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically targeting web applications through client-side script injection. The vulnerability demonstrates a failure in input sanitization and output encoding practices that are fundamental to preventing XSS attacks in web applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-0574 extends beyond simple script injection, potentially enabling attackers to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users, or redirect victims to malicious sites. The whoisonline functionality typically displays active users on a website, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking to exploit the trust relationship between the application and its users. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to create persistent backdoors, harvest sensitive information from authenticated sessions, or manipulate the displayed user list to hide malicious activities. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of user data, potentially compromising user privacy and the overall security posture of the web application.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-0574 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms. Organizations should apply the vendor-provided patch or upgrade to a newer version of webSPELL that addresses this vulnerability. The remediation process must include implementing strict input validation for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in dynamic web page generation. Output encoding should be enforced for all dynamic content rendered to web pages, ensuring that special characters are properly escaped to prevent interpretation as executable code. Security measures should also incorporate the principle of least privilege, limiting the data that can be manipulated through the whoisonline functionality and implementing Content Security Policy headers to further restrict script execution. Regular security audits and input validation testing should be conducted to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other application components, aligning with industry standards for secure web application development practices.