CVE-2008-2563 in SamTodo
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in (1) dsp_main.php and (2) dsp_task_editor.php in SamTodo 1.1 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (a) tid parameter in a main.taskeditor edit action, and the (b) completed parameter in a main.default action, to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/25/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2563 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting SamTodo version 1.1, a web-based task management application. This vulnerability manifests in two distinct file locations within the application's codebase, specifically dsp_main.php and dsp_task_editor.php, which together create a significant attack surface for malicious actors seeking to exploit client-side security weaknesses. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into dynamically generated web content.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through two primary attack vectors that leverage parameter manipulation within the application's request handling mechanisms. The first vector targets the tid parameter within the main.taskeditor edit action, while the second exploits the completed parameter during the main.default action in index.php. Both attack paths demonstrate a classic XSS vulnerability pattern where attacker-controlled input flows directly into HTML output without proper sanitization or encoding, allowing malicious scripts to be executed within the context of authenticated users' browsers. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in software applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or defacement, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code within users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or further exploitation of the compromised user environment. When an authenticated user visits a maliciously crafted URL containing the XSS payload, the script executes in their browser context, potentially allowing attackers to access sensitive application data, modify task records, or even escalate privileges within the SamTodo application. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple application modules indicates a systemic issue in the application's data handling architecture rather than an isolated code defect.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001, which describes social engineering attacks through malicious links, and demonstrates how poorly secured web applications can serve as entry points for broader attack campaigns. The attack requires minimal sophistication and can be automated, making it particularly dangerous for widespread exploitation. Organizations using SamTodo 1.1 should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, output encoding, and proper parameter sanitization across all user-supplied inputs. The fix should involve implementing strict validation of the tid and completed parameters, ensuring all user input is properly encoded before insertion into HTML contexts, and applying the principle of least privilege to limit the impact of potential exploitation. Additionally, regular security code reviews and automated vulnerability scanning should be implemented to prevent similar issues in future development cycles, as this vulnerability represents a fundamental flaw in the application's security architecture that could be exploited for persistent access to user environments.