CVE-2008-2533 in Phoenix View CMS
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in Phoenix View CMS Pre Alpha2 and earlier allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) ltarget parameter to (a) admin/admin_frame.php and the (2) conf parameter to (b) gbuch.admin.php, (c) links.admin.php, (d) menue.admin.php, (e) news.admin.php, and (f) todo.admin.php in admin/module/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2533 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting Phoenix View CMS versions prior to Pre Alpha2. This vulnerability resides within the administrative interfaces of the content management system, specifically targeting parameters used in various administrative module files. The flaw allows remote attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of authenticated users, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79 as Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which directly relates to the failure to properly sanitize user input before it is processed and displayed within web pages.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves multiple attack vectors through different administrative endpoints. The primary attack vectors include the ltarget parameter in admin/admin_frame.php and the conf parameter across several administrative modules including gbuch.admin.php, links.admin.php, menue.admin.php, news.admin.php, and todo.admin.php. These parameters receive user input without proper sanitization or validation, creating opportunities for attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code or HTML content. The vulnerability affects the administrative interface specifically, meaning that an attacker would need to first gain access to an administrative account or exploit the vulnerability to escalate privileges, though the direct impact remains significant.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it enables attackers to manipulate the administrative functionality of the CMS. An attacker could potentially modify content, create new administrative accounts, or even execute arbitrary commands on the server if additional vulnerabilities exist. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it targets the administrative module files, which typically have elevated privileges and access to sensitive system functions. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for Scripting and T1566.001 for Phishing, as it enables attackers to leverage existing administrative sessions to perform malicious activities.
The attack requires minimal prerequisites, as the vulnerability exists in the web application layer and does not require local system access or complex exploitation techniques. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and highlights the importance of implementing proper sanitization mechanisms for all user-supplied data. Organizations using affected versions of Phoenix View CMS are at risk of unauthorized access and potential data compromise, as the XSS vulnerability could be combined with other attack vectors to achieve more severe outcomes. The vulnerability also underscores the need for comprehensive security testing of administrative interfaces, as these components often receive less scrutiny than public-facing pages.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of the affected CMS version, implementing proper input validation and output encoding for all administrative parameters, and establishing secure coding practices for future development. The recommended approach includes implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution, using parameterized queries for all database interactions, and conducting regular security audits of administrative interfaces. Additionally, organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of administrative interfaces to untrusted networks, reducing the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and regular security assessments in preventing widespread compromise of web applications.