CVE-2008-5879 in Phpclanwebsite
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in index.php in Phpclanwebsite (aka PCW) 1.23.3 Fix Pack 5 and earlier, allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the page parameter and other unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/19/2024
The CVE-2008-5879 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw identified in Phpclanwebsite version 1.23.3 Fix Pack 5 and earlier installations. This vulnerability specifically affects the index.php script within the web application framework, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of a victim's browser session. The vulnerability arises from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before rendering it within web pages. The affected parameter named 'page' serves as the primary attack vector, though the vulnerability also encompasses unspecified vectors that may compound the risk. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications where untrusted data is improperly incorporated into web pages without adequate validation or encoding measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with the capability to manipulate user sessions, steal sensitive information, and potentially escalate privileges within the affected web application. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that exploit the vulnerable 'page' parameter to inject malicious JavaScript code, which then executes in the context of other users' browsers who visit affected pages. The vulnerability's presence in a clan website framework suggests potential exposure of user credentials, session tokens, and other sensitive data that could be accessed through browser-based attacks. This represents a significant security risk for organizations relying on the affected version of Phpclanwebsite, as the vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including phishing campaigns, malicious links, or compromised web pages that direct users to exploit the XSS vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-5879 should prioritize immediate remediation through upgrading to a patched version of Phpclanwebsite that addresses the input validation deficiencies. Organizations must implement comprehensive input sanitization measures that validate and encode all user-supplied data before processing or displaying it within web pages. The implementation of proper output encoding techniques, particularly context-aware encoding, should be enforced to prevent malicious scripts from executing in the browser environment. Security controls should include the deployment of web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious script injection attempts, as well as regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities within the application codebase. Additionally, the vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers social engineering attacks through malicious links, and T1059 which involves command and scripting interpreters for code execution, emphasizing the need for layered defensive measures. Organizations should also consider implementing content security policies and regular security training for administrators to recognize and respond to potential exploitation attempts targeting such vulnerabilities.