CVE-2008-2680 in Realm
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in _db/compact.asp in Realm CMS 2.3 and earlier allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) CmpctedDB and (2) Boyut parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/27/2024
The CVE-2008-2680 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in Realm CMS version 2.3 and earlier, specifically within the _db/compact.asp component. This vulnerability exposes the content management system to remote code execution through malicious web script injection, creating significant security risks for organizations relying on this platform. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter user-supplied data before processing or rendering within web pages.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves two distinct parameter injection points: CmpctedDB and Boyut parameters within the compact.asp script. Attackers can exploit these entry points by crafting malicious payloads that contain embedded script code, which then executes in the context of other users' browsers when they access compromised pages. This allows threat actors to perform session hijacking, steal sensitive information, deface websites, or redirect users to malicious domains. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be classified under CWE-79 as "Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting')", specifically manifesting as a reflected XSS attack vector.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to compromise entire user sessions and potentially escalate privileges within the CMS environment. Organizations using Realm CMS 2.3 or earlier versions face significant risks including data breaches, unauthorized content modification, and potential complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects the core database management functionality of the CMS, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited during routine maintenance operations or database compaction activities. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious web content, and T1071.001 for application layer protocol usage.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-2680 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected Realm CMS versions to the latest available releases that contain proper input validation and sanitization measures. Organizations must implement comprehensive input filtering mechanisms that validate and sanitize all user-supplied data before processing, utilizing parameterized queries and proper HTML encoding techniques. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures to detect and prevent malicious payload delivery. Security monitoring should include regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar unpatched components within the organization's infrastructure. The remediation process should also involve comprehensive staff training on secure coding practices and the implementation of automated security scanning tools to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future development cycles.