CVE-2008-3088 in Kasseler
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Files module in Kasseler CMS 1.3.0 and 1.3.1 Lite allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the cid parameter in a Category action to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/31/2024
The CVE-2008-3088 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Files module of Kasseler CMS versions 1.3.0 and 1.3.1 Lite. This vulnerability exposes the content management system to remote code execution through malicious script injection, creating a significant security risk for websites utilizing this particular CMS version. The flaw specifically manifests when the cid parameter in the Category action of index.php fails to properly sanitize user input, allowing attackers to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content directly into the application's response. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and directly impacts the integrity and security of web applications built on this CMS platform, making it a serious concern for system administrators and security professionals responsible for maintaining web application security.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding within the Files module's handling of the cid parameter. When a user submits a category identifier through the Category action, the application processes this input without sufficient sanitization measures, creating an injection point for malicious payloads. The flaw falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-site Scripting, specifically representing a reflected XSS vulnerability where the malicious script is reflected off the web server and executed in the victim's browser. Attackers can craft malicious URLs containing script payloads in the cid parameter, which when executed by unsuspecting users, can lead to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for Initial Access through spearphishing attachments, as users may inadvertently click on malicious links that exploit this XSS flaw.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-3088 extends beyond simple script injection, potentially enabling attackers to perform sophisticated attacks against users of affected websites. Once exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of the victim's browser session, which could result in unauthorized access to user accounts, data exfiltration, or modification of website content. The reflected nature of the vulnerability means that attackers can deliver payloads through email phishing campaigns, malicious links in forums, or compromised websites that direct users to exploit the flaw. This creates a persistent threat vector that can be leveraged for various malicious activities including credential harvesting, session manipulation, and establishing persistent access to compromised systems. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the CMS, making it particularly dangerous for websites that rely heavily on user-generated content or community features.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-3088 require immediate action to address the root cause through proper input validation and output encoding. System administrators should implement comprehensive input sanitization measures that validate and filter all user-supplied data before processing, particularly focusing on the cid parameter in the Category action. The recommended approach involves implementing strict parameter validation, encoding output content, and applying proper HTML escaping techniques to prevent script execution. Organizations should upgrade to patched versions of Kasseler CMS or implement web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious payloads targeting this specific vulnerability. Additionally, security measures should include regular security audits of web applications, implementation of content security policies, and user education about recognizing potentially malicious links. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing proper input validation as outlined in OWASP Top 10 security guidelines, particularly addressing the need for robust sanitization of user inputs to prevent XSS attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools to identify similar flaws in other web applications within their infrastructure.