CVE-2008-4532 in Website Directory
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in index.php in MaxiScript Website Directory allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the keyword parameter in a search action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-4532 represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the MaxiScript Website Directory application's index.php file. This security weakness specifically manifests when the application processes search requests through the keyword parameter, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content into the application's response. The vulnerability exists at the input validation and output encoding layer, where user-supplied data fails to be properly sanitized before being rendered back to users within the web interface. This flaw allows attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or unauthorized actions performed on behalf of victims.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in web applications. The vulnerability operates by exploiting the application's failure to properly escape or validate user input before incorporating it into dynamic web content. When a user submits a search query containing malicious script code through the keyword parameter, the application processes this input without adequate sanitization measures. The malicious payload gets stored or directly rendered in the search results page, executing in the browser context of any user who views the affected page. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through various vectors including direct injection, reflected attacks, or even persistent storage if the application fails to properly filter user-submitted content.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to both the application's integrity and user security. Attackers can leverage this flaw to perform session hijacking by stealing authentication cookies, redirect users to malicious websites, or inject phishing content that appears legitimate to end users. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as attackers can potentially escalate privileges or perform unauthorized actions within the application context. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the web application by creating potential entry points for more sophisticated attacks. Users who perform searches through the vulnerable application become potential victims of these attacks, with the malicious scripts executing in their browsers without their knowledge or consent.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate input validation issues and implement comprehensive security controls. Organizations should implement proper output encoding and input sanitization mechanisms to prevent malicious content from being executed in user contexts. The solution involves applying strict validation rules to all user-supplied parameters including the keyword field, implementing context-specific encoding for dynamic content, and employing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution. Additionally, regular security testing including dynamic application security testing and manual code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities. The implementation of web application firewalls and security monitoring systems can provide additional layers of protection. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for script injection techniques and T1531 for credential access through web application vulnerabilities, emphasizing the need for comprehensive defensive measures that address both the exploitation vector and potential lateral movement opportunities.