CVE-2009-0762 in Ez PHP Comment
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in ScriptsEz Ez PHP Comment allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the name 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 • 12/02/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-0762 represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the ScriptsEz Ez PHP Comment web application, classified under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities. This security weakness allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML code into web pages viewed by other users, creating a persistent threat vector that can compromise user sessions and data integrity. The vulnerability specifically manifests through the name parameter, indicating that input validation mechanisms are insufficient to prevent malicious payload injection.
The technical exploitation of this XSS vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious input string containing script code within the name parameter of the comment submission functionality. When this crafted input is processed and displayed on the web page without proper sanitization or encoding, the embedded scripts execute within the context of other users' browsers. This execution context allows attackers to perform actions such as stealing session cookies, redirecting users to malicious sites, or modifying page content to deceive users. The vulnerability's classification as a reflected XSS issue means that the malicious script is executed immediately when the affected page is loaded, making it particularly dangerous for user-facing applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it creates a persistent threat that can be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks. Users who view pages containing malicious comments could unknowingly have their browser sessions hijacked, potentially leading to unauthorized access to personal accounts or sensitive information. The vulnerability's presence in a comment system particularly amplifies its risk since comments are often displayed in public or semi-public contexts where multiple users can be affected simultaneously. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers social engineering through malicious content delivery.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-0762 should focus on implementing robust input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application's comment processing pipeline. Developers must ensure that all user-supplied input, particularly parameters like name, undergoes strict sanitization before being stored or displayed. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers and proper HTML encoding of dynamic content can significantly reduce the attack surface. Additionally, regular security audits and input validation testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in the application's codebase. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring systems to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation in preventing widespread XSS attacks that can compromise entire user bases.