CVE-2008-0618 in DMSGuestbook
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in the DMSGuestbook 1.8.0 and 1.7.0 plugin for WordPress allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) gbname, (2) gbemail, (3) gburl, and (4) gbmsg parameters to unspecified programs. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/16/2018
The CVE-2008-0618 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting the DMSGuestbook plugin versions 1.8.0 and 1.7.0 for WordPress platforms. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the plugin's handling of user-supplied data, creating an attack vector that enables remote code execution through malicious web scripts. The vulnerability specifically targets four parameters including gbname, gbemail, gburl, and gbmsg which are processed by unspecified backend programs, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited across multiple data entry points within the guestbook functionality.
From a technical perspective, the vulnerability manifests when user input is directly incorporated into web page responses without proper sanitization or encoding. This allows attackers to inject malicious HTML or JavaScript code that executes in the context of other users' browsers who view the affected guestbook entries. The flaw operates at the application layer, specifically within the web application's input processing mechanisms, and aligns with CWE-79 which defines cross-site scripting as a weakness where applications fail to properly validate or encode user-controllable data. The vulnerability's classification as a remote attack means that no authentication or local access is required for exploitation, making it particularly dangerous for widely deployed WordPress installations.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-0618 extends beyond simple script injection, potentially enabling attackers to perform session hijacking, deface websites, steal sensitive information, or redirect users to malicious sites. Given that WordPress plugins often have broad access to site functionality and user data, this vulnerability could serve as a foothold for more extensive attacks against the entire WordPress installation. The attack surface is amplified by the fact that guestbook plugins typically store and display user-generated content without adequate security measures, creating persistent vectors for malicious code execution. This vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as the injected scripts can execute arbitrary commands on victim browsers.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-0618 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the input validation issues, though given the age of this vulnerability, such patches may no longer be available. Organizations should implement input sanitization measures including HTML entity encoding for all user-supplied data, implement Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution, and conduct thorough security audits of all installed WordPress plugins. Additionally, network-based protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional layers of defense, though these solutions should complement rather than replace proper input validation. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of keeping WordPress plugins updated and implementing comprehensive security measures for all web application components.