CVE-2008-1504 in phpMyChat
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in setup.php3 in phpHeaven phpMyChat 0.14.5 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the Lang parameter. 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 • 09/16/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1504 represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw in the phpMyChat 0.14.5 application, specifically within the setup.php3 script. This issue falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security vulnerabilities. The vulnerability manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize user input received through the Lang parameter, creating an opening for malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of other users' browsers.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the Lang parameter in the setup.php3 file, which is part of the phpMyChat application's configuration setup process. When an attacker crafts a malicious payload and injects it through this parameter, the application processes the input without adequate validation or sanitization, allowing the injected code to be executed when other users access the affected page. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be leveraged to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users, or redirect victims to malicious websites.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-1504 extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with persistent access to the application's user base. Once exploited, the vulnerability can enable attackers to impersonate legitimate users, access sensitive chat communications, and potentially escalate privileges within the application. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that phpMyChat was designed as a web-based chat application, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise user communications and potentially gain access to additional systems through the chat environment.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as a clear example of the importance of input validation and output encoding in web applications. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under the T1059.007 technique for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript" as attackers can leverage XSS to execute JavaScript code. Mitigation strategies should include implementing proper input sanitization techniques, employing Content Security Policy headers, and ensuring all user-supplied data is properly encoded before being rendered in web pages. Organizations using phpMyChat or similar applications should prioritize immediate patching and consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block such attacks. The vulnerability also highlights the critical need for regular security assessments and the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities in legacy applications.