CVE-2008-3712 in Mambo
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in Mambo 4.6.2 and 4.6.5, when register_globals is enabled, allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) query string to mambots/editors/mostlyce/jscripts/tiny_mce/filemanager/connectors/php/connector.php and the (2) mosConfig_sitename parameter to administrator/popups/index3pop.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/04/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2008-3712 represents a critical cross-site scripting weakness affecting Mambo content management systems version 4.6.2 and 4.6.5. This flaw specifically exploits the configuration where register_globals is enabled, creating a dangerous condition where user-supplied input can be directly interpreted as PHP variables. The vulnerability manifests in two distinct attack vectors that together present a significant threat to web application security. The first vector targets the filemanager connector component located at mambots/editors/mostlyce/jscripts/tiny_mce/filemanager/connectors/php/connector.php, while the second targets the administrator popup interface through the mosConfig_sitename parameter in administrator/popups/index3pop.php.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the dangerous practice of register_globals being enabled in the PHP configuration. When this setting is active, any GET, POST, or cookie data automatically becomes available as global PHP variables, bypassing normal input validation mechanisms. Attackers can craft malicious URLs that inject JavaScript code or HTML content into the vulnerable parameters, which are then executed in the context of other users' browsers when they access the affected pages. The first attack vector through the filemanager connector allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that can execute within the context of the file manager interface, potentially leading to full system compromise. The second vector through the administrator popup interface provides attackers with the ability to inject scripts into administrative panels, enabling them to perform unauthorized actions or steal administrative credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can lead to complete system compromise and data breaches. When attackers successfully exploit these XSS flaws, they can execute malicious code in the browsers of unsuspecting users, potentially stealing session cookies, performing unauthorized administrative actions, or redirecting users to malicious sites. The vulnerability's presence in both frontend and backend components means that attackers can potentially escalate their privileges from regular users to administrators. This represents a severe threat to web application integrity and user security, as the attacks can be executed without requiring authentication or specific knowledge of the system's internal workings. The vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-79, which defines Cross-site Scripting as a critical weakness in web applications, and follows patterns consistent with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious web content.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action to address the root cause of the configuration issue. The most effective solution involves disabling the register_globals directive in the PHP configuration, which completely eliminates the underlying condition that enables the exploitation. Organizations should also implement proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent malicious content from being executed even if the configuration issue persists. Additionally, regular security audits should be conducted to ensure that all web applications maintain secure configurations and that deprecated or vulnerable components are updated or removed. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper server configuration management in preventing widespread exploitation of web application flaws.