CVE-2008-2987 in Benja
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in Benja CMS 0.1 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the PATH_INFO to (1) admin_edit_submenu.php, (2) admin_new_submenu.php, and (3) admin_edit_topmenu.php in admin/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/27/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-2987 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting Benja CMS version 0.1. This issue stems from inadequate input validation within the administrative components of the content management system, specifically targeting three key files that handle menu management functionality. The vulnerability exists in the PATH_INFO parameter processing, which occurs when the web application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into dynamic web page content. This allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code or HTML elements that execute in the context of other users' browsers, creating a persistent security risk for the entire system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the web application's failure to validate and sanitize input parameters received through the PATH_INFO component of the HTTP request. When attackers submit malicious payloads through these specific administrative endpoints, the CMS does not properly escape or filter the input before rendering it in the web interface. This creates a direct pathway for attackers to execute scripts within the victim's browser context, potentially enabling session hijacking, credential theft, or unauthorized administrative actions. The vulnerability affects three distinct administrative files including admin_edit_submenu.php, admin_new_submenu.php, and admin_edit_topmenu.php, indicating a systemic input validation weakness throughout the menu management functionality.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with the capability to escalate privileges within the CMS environment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially modify or delete content, create new administrative accounts, or gain full control over the website's content management system. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it targets administrative interfaces, meaning that successful exploitation could result in complete compromise of the web application. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the affected administrative components. The recommended approach includes implementing strict parameter validation for all PATH_INFO inputs, applying HTML entity encoding to all dynamic content before rendering, and establishing comprehensive input sanitization routines. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious input patterns, along with regular security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application. Additionally, the CMS should be updated to a patched version if available, or the affected files should be modified to properly handle user input through parameterized queries and input sanitization techniques. The remediation process should also include access control hardening to limit administrative access to trusted users only, reducing the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.