CVE-2008-6597 in PHCDownload
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in upload/install/index.php in PHCDownload 1.1 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the step parameter. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2025
The CVE-2008-6597 vulnerability represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw in the PHCDownload 1.1 web application that exposes users to potential malicious code execution. This vulnerability specifically affects the upload/install/index.php file and manifests through the step parameter, creating a pathway for remote attackers to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content into the application's response. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-79 which defines improper neutralization of input during web page generation, making it a fundamental web application security weakness that has persisted across numerous systems and frameworks. The attack vector operates through unvalidated user input processing, where the step parameter fails to properly sanitize or encode user-supplied data before incorporating it into dynamic web content.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker manipulates the step parameter in the upload/install/index.php endpoint to inject malicious scripts that execute within the context of other users' browsers. This type of vulnerability enables attackers to perform session hijacking, steal sensitive information, deface web pages, or redirect users to malicious sites. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple script injection as it can facilitate more sophisticated attacks including credential theft, data exfiltration, and establishment of backdoors within the compromised environment. The vulnerability exists because the application does not implement proper input validation or output encoding mechanisms to prevent malicious content from being interpreted as legitimate web script by browsers.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations deploying PHCDownload 1.1 as it allows attackers to compromise user sessions and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive data. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target system. Security frameworks such as the ATT&CK matrix categorize this vulnerability under the T1059.007 technique for Scripting, specifically targeting web application vulnerabilities that enable code injection. The vulnerability's persistence in older web applications demonstrates the ongoing challenge of legacy system security maintenance and the importance of regular security assessments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-6597 should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms. The most effective approach involves sanitizing all user-supplied input through strict validation processes that reject or encode potentially dangerous characters and script patterns. Organizations should implement proper parameter validation for the step parameter specifically, ensuring that only expected values are accepted and that all input is properly encoded before being rendered in web responses. Additionally, the application should be updated to a newer version of PHCDownload that addresses this vulnerability or replaced with a more secure alternative. Security measures should include regular vulnerability assessments, web application firewalls, and proper security headers to prevent XSS exploitation. The remediation process should also involve implementing Content Security Policy headers to further limit the execution of unauthorized scripts within the application context.