CVE-2008-2186 in ChiCoMaS
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in index.php in Chilek Content Management System (aka ChiCoMaS) 2.0.4 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the q parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/20/2024
The CVE-2008-2186 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Chilek Content Management System version 2.0.4, specifically affecting the index.php script. This vulnerability resides in the application's handling of user-supplied input through the q parameter, which is commonly used for search functionality or query string processing. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious web scripts or HTML code directly into the application's response, potentially compromising user sessions and data integrity. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79 as Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which is a fundamental weakness in web application security that has been consistently identified as one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application vulnerabilities.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL containing script code within the q parameter and convinces a victim to click on the link. When the victim's browser loads the page, the injected script executes in the context of the victim's session, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or unauthorized actions performed on behalf of the user. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects a core component of the content management system that likely handles user interactions and search queries. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK framework's T1566 technique for Initial Access through spearphishing attachments or links, making it a significant vector for social engineering attacks that leverage web application flaws.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-2186 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks within the target environment. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to steal cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or even execute more complex payloads that could lead to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects any user of the Chilek CMS 2.0.4 who visits a maliciously crafted page, making it particularly concerning for public-facing websites that rely on this CMS. Organizations using this version of ChiCoMaS face significant risk of data breaches, reputational damage, and potential regulatory compliance violations, especially if the affected system handles sensitive user information or business-critical data. The vulnerability's persistence in the application's codebase for an extended period indicates poor security practices during development and highlights the importance of regular security assessments and input validation mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-2186 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and output encoding techniques. The most effective approach involves sanitizing all user input parameters, particularly those used in dynamic content generation, by implementing strict validation rules and escaping special characters that could be interpreted as HTML or script tags. Organizations should deploy web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious input patterns, while also ensuring that the application employs proper context-aware output encoding for all dynamic content. The remediation process should include upgrading to a patched version of the ChiCoMaS CMS, as version 2.0.4 is likely to contain multiple security vulnerabilities. Additionally, implementing a comprehensive security testing regimen that includes automated scanning and manual penetration testing can help identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the web application stack, aligning with industry best practices outlined in standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.