CVE-2008-3574 in Pluck
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in Pluck 4.5.2, when register_globals is enabled, allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) lang_footer parameter to (a) data/inc/footer.php; the (2) pluck_version, (3) lang_install22, (4) titelkop, (5) lang_kop1, (6) lang_kop2, (7) lang_modules, (8) lang_kop4, (9) lang_kop15, (10) lang_kop5, and (11) titelkop parameters to (b) data/inc/header.php; the pluck_version and titelkop parameters to (c) data/inc/header2.php; and the (14) lang_theme6 parameter to (d) data/inc/themeinstall.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/19/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-3574 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting Pluck version 4.5.2 when the PHP configuration directive register_globals is enabled. This configuration setting automatically creates global variables from request parameters, creating an environment where malicious input can be seamlessly integrated into the application's execution flow. The vulnerability manifests across multiple files within the application's include directory, specifically targeting footer.php, header.php, header2.php, and themeinstall.php. The attack vector exploits the insecure handling of user-supplied parameters without proper input validation or output sanitization, allowing remote attackers to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content that executes in the context of other users' browsers.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the dangerous interaction between register_globals and improper parameter handling within the Pluck content management system. When register_globals is enabled, HTTP request parameters become automatically available as global variables, eliminating the need for explicit variable assignment. This creates a direct pathway for attackers to manipulate application behavior by injecting malicious content through parameters such as lang_footer, pluck_version, and various lang_kop parameters. The vulnerability spans multiple entry points within the application's include structure, demonstrating a systemic flaw in input sanitization across the entire system architecture. Each affected parameter represents a potential injection point where attacker-controlled data can be directly embedded into the application's output without proper context-aware escaping or validation mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it enables attackers to perform session hijacking, deface websites, steal sensitive information, or redirect users to malicious domains. The widespread nature of the vulnerability across multiple PHP include files indicates a fundamental flaw in the application's security architecture rather than isolated code issues. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute persistent XSS payloads that remain active until the application is updated or the vulnerable parameters are no longer used. The vulnerability's exploitation is particularly concerning because it requires only minimal user interaction to succeed, making it highly effective for mass distribution attacks. This type of vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-79 (Cross-site Scripting) and represents a classic example of how insecure parameter handling combined with dangerous PHP configurations can create persistent security weaknesses.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate security flaw and the underlying configuration issues that enable exploitation. The most effective immediate solution involves disabling the register_globals directive in PHP configuration, which removes the automatic creation of global variables from request parameters. Additionally, comprehensive input validation and output sanitization should be implemented across all application parameters, with special attention to the specific vulnerable parameters identified in the affected files. The application should implement proper context-aware escaping for all user-supplied data before rendering in HTML output, following the principle of least privilege for parameter handling. Security measures should include parameter whitelisting, input filtering, and regular code audits to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future versions. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious parameter patterns, while establishing secure coding practices that align with OWASP Top Ten recommendations and ATT&CK framework techniques related to web application exploitation.