CVE-2008-3483 in ScrewTurn Wiki
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in ScrewTurn Wiki 2.0.29 and 2.0.30 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via error messages in the "/admin.aspx - System Log" page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/10/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-3483 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within ScrewTurn Wiki versions 2.0.29 and 2.0.30 that specifically targets the administrative interface. This issue manifests when error messages are displayed on the "/admin.aspx - System Log" page, creating an attack vector that enables remote adversaries to inject malicious web scripts or HTML content. The flaw resides in the application's improper handling of error messages, which are rendered without adequate input sanitization or output encoding mechanisms. Such vulnerabilities fall under CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities where untrusted data is improperly incorporated into web pages without proper validation or encoding.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input that triggers an error condition within the system log page. When the application generates error messages containing this malicious input, the unescaped content is subsequently rendered in the browser, allowing the injected scripts to execute within the context of the victim's session. This attack vector is particularly dangerous because it targets the administrative interface, potentially granting attackers elevated privileges and complete control over the wiki system. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of proper input validation and output encoding practices that are fundamental to preventing XSS attacks.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant security risks for organizations relying on ScrewTurn Wiki for content management. An attacker who successfully exploits this flaw could execute arbitrary scripts in the browser of any user who views the affected system log page, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further system compromise. The administrative nature of the affected page means that successful exploitation could provide attackers with access to sensitive system information, user credentials, or the ability to modify wiki content. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers could leverage the XSS to establish persistent access through malicious script execution.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-3483 should focus on implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application. Organizations should ensure that all user-supplied data, particularly when displayed in error messages or administrative interfaces, undergoes strict sanitization before rendering. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers and proper HTML encoding of dynamic content can significantly reduce the risk of XSS exploitation. Additionally, upgrading to a patched version of ScrewTurn Wiki would address this specific vulnerability. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious script injection attempts. Regular security testing and code reviews focusing on input handling and output encoding practices will help prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the future.