CVE-2008-4435 in Downloads Plus Module
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in the RMSOFT Downloads Plus (rmdp) module 1.5 and 1.7 for Xoops allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) key parameter to search.php and the (2) id parameter to down.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/27/2025
The CVE-2008-4435 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting the RMSOFT Downloads Plus module version 1.5 and 1.7 within the Xoops content management system. This vulnerability exposes web applications to malicious code injection attacks that can compromise user sessions and data integrity. The flaw specifically manifests through two distinct attack vectors that target different script files within the module's functionality, creating multiple entry points for potential exploitation. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-79 indicates a weakness in input validation that allows malicious scripts to be executed in the context of the victim's browser, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that handle user-generated content or search functionality.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the application fails to properly sanitize user input parameters before processing them in the search.php and down.php scripts. Attackers can exploit the vulnerability by manipulating the key parameter in search.php and the id parameter in down.php to inject malicious javascript code or html content. The absence of proper input validation and output encoding creates an environment where attacker-controlled data can be executed as part of the web page's rendering process, leading to unauthorized actions such as session hijacking, data theft, or redirection to malicious sites. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK framework's T1059.007 technique for command and scripting interpreter, specifically targeting web application interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable sophisticated attack chains that compromise the entire user base of affected applications. When exploited, these vulnerabilities allow attackers to execute arbitrary code in the context of authenticated users' browsers, potentially leading to complete account compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The attack vectors are particularly concerning because they target core functionality components of the downloads module, meaning that any user interacting with search or download features could become a victim of the attack. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality and integrity of web applications by enabling unauthorized data manipulation and user session takeover, which aligns with the OWASP Top Ten's identification of XSS as a critical security weakness.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-4435 should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding measures across all user-facing parameters. The most effective remediation involves sanitizing all input parameters using proper escaping techniques before processing, particularly for the key and id parameters in the affected scripts. Organizations should implement Content Security Policy headers to prevent execution of unauthorized scripts, while also ensuring that the Xoops platform and RMSOFT Downloads Plus module are updated to versions that address this vulnerability. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar input validation weaknesses, and the implementation of web application firewalls can provide additional protection layers. The vulnerability's remediation aligns with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework's Protect function, specifically addressing information security controls related to data integrity and system security. Additionally, developers should adopt secure coding practices that emphasize parameter validation and output encoding, as recommended by the CWE guidelines for preventing cross-site scripting vulnerabilities in web applications.