CVE-2008-6839 in TGS
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in TGS Content Management 0.3.2r2 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) msg and (2) goodmsg parameters to (a) login.php and (b) index.php, and the (3) dir and (4) id parameters to index.php. 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 • 10/24/2025
The CVE-2008-6839 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in TGS Content Management version 0.3.2r2, exposing the system to remote code execution through malicious web script injection. This vulnerability resides in the application's input validation mechanisms, specifically targeting parameter handling in key PHP scripts that manage user authentication and content display. The flaw enables attackers to inject malicious payloads through multiple entry points, making it particularly dangerous as it affects core application functionality rather than isolated components. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-79, which describes improper neutralization of input during web page generation, and demonstrates how insufficient output encoding can create persistent security weaknesses in web applications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through four distinct parameter injection points that collectively represent a sophisticated attack surface. The msg and goodmsg parameters in login.php and index.php serve as primary injection vectors, while dir and id parameters in index.php provide additional attack paths. These parameters likely control user feedback messages and directory navigation respectively, making them prime targets for XSS exploitation. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that execute in the context of authenticated users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or unauthorized administrative actions. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple scripts indicates a systemic issue in the application's security architecture rather than isolated code flaws.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-6839 extends beyond simple script injection, creating potential for severe compromise of the content management system's integrity and user trust. When exploited, these vulnerabilities could allow attackers to manipulate user sessions, steal sensitive information, or redirect users to malicious websites. The attack surface spans both authentication and content management functions, potentially enabling attackers to escalate privileges or gain unauthorized access to administrative controls. Organizations using this vulnerable version of TGS Content Management face significant risk of data breaches and system compromise, particularly in environments where users have administrative privileges or where the CMS manages sensitive content. The vulnerability's age and the lack of known provenance suggest potential for widespread exploitation in legacy systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-6839 should prioritize immediate application of security patches and input validation improvements. The most effective approach involves implementing comprehensive output encoding for all user-supplied data, particularly in the identified parameter handling functions. Security measures should include strict parameter validation, sanitization of input data, and implementation of Content Security Policy headers to prevent unauthorized script execution. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads targeting these specific parameters. The remediation process must address all four identified injection points through proper input validation, output encoding, and secure coding practices that align with OWASP Top Ten recommendations and NIST cybersecurity frameworks. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components and ensure ongoing protection against evolving attack vectors.