CVE-2008-3180 in ContentNow CMS
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in upload/file/language_menu.php in ContentNow CMS 1.4.1 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) pageid parameter or (2) PATH_INFO.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/31/2024
The CVE-2008-3180 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting weakness discovered in ContentNow CMS version 1.4.1, specifically affecting the upload/file/language_menu.php component. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's parameter handling processes, creating exploitable entry points for malicious actors to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content into the targeted system. The flaw manifests through two distinct attack vectors that leverage different parameter injection methods, significantly expanding the potential attack surface and exploitation opportunities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input from the pageid parameter and PATH_INFO variables. These parameters are directly incorporated into the web page output without adequate encoding or validation, allowing attackers to craft malicious payloads that execute within the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability operates at the application layer, specifically targeting the content management system's file upload and language selection functionality, where user input is processed and rendered without proper security controls. This type of flaw aligns with CWE-79, which defines Cross-Site Scripting as a common web application vulnerability where untrusted data is embedded into web pages viewed by other users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it enables attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and redirection to malicious websites. An attacker could exploit these vulnerabilities to steal user sessions, modify content, or even escalate privileges within the CMS environment. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that handle sensitive user data or administrative functions. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the ContentNow CMS, potentially compromising the integrity and confidentiality of the entire system.
Security professionals should implement multiple layers of mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability effectively. Input validation and sanitization should be enforced at all entry points where user data is processed, particularly for parameters like pageid and PATH_INFO. The implementation of proper output encoding mechanisms ensures that any potentially malicious content is rendered harmless when displayed to end users. Additionally, the application should employ a robust Content Security Policy to prevent unauthorized script execution and limit the attack surface. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1566, which covers Phishing with Malicious Attachments, and T1059, which addresses Command and Scripting Interpreter, as attackers could leverage these XSS flaws to deliver malicious payloads or execute commands within the victim's browser context. Regular security assessments and input validation testing should be conducted to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future releases or modifications to the CMS.