CVE-2008-1045 in OpenCMS
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the file tree navigation function in system/workplace/views/explorer/tree_files.jsp in Alkacon OpenCMS 7.0.3 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the resource parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/16/2024
The CVE-2008-1045 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Alkacon OpenCMS 7.0.3 content management system that specifically targets the file tree navigation functionality. This vulnerability exists in the tree_files.jsp component located within the system/workplace/views/explorer directory structure, making it a server-side rendering issue that affects the administrative interface of the CMS. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize user input passed through the resource parameter, creating an avenue for malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts within the context of authenticated users' browsers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding within the file tree navigation function. When the resource parameter is processed by the tree_files.jsp script, it directly incorporates user-supplied data into the HTML response without proper sanitization measures. This primitive form of input handling creates a classic XSS attack vector where an attacker can inject malicious JavaScript code or HTML content that gets executed when other users navigate to affected pages. The vulnerability specifically affects the explorer tree navigation component that displays file structures, making it particularly dangerous as it operates within the administrative interface where users typically have elevated privileges.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant security risks to organizations utilizing Alkacon OpenCMS 7.0.3. Attackers can leverage this flaw to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of authenticated users, redirect victims to malicious websites, or execute persistent XSS attacks that compromise the integrity of the CMS environment. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it targets the administrative interface, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges, modify content, or gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources. The vulnerability's remote nature means that exploitation does not require physical access to the system, making it a high-severity threat that can be exploited from anywhere on the internet.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with the attack pattern described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 technique for command and scripting interpreter. Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and output encoding measures, such as implementing proper HTML entity encoding for all user-supplied content before rendering it in the browser. The most effective remediation approach involves upgrading to a patched version of Alkacon OpenCMS, as the vulnerability was addressed in subsequent releases through proper input sanitization and parameter validation. Additionally, implementing a web application firewall rule to filter malicious input patterns and conducting regular security assessments of the CMS environment can help prevent exploitation of this and similar vulnerabilities.