CVE-2009-0862 in TangoCMS
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the hook_cntrlr_error_output function in modules/page/hooks/listeners.php in the admincp component in TangoCMS 2.2.x (aka Eagle) before 2.2.4 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/01/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-0862 represents a cross-site scripting flaw within the TangoCMS 2.2.x series, specifically affecting the admincp component's hook_cntrlr_error_output function. This issue resides in the modules/page/hooks/listeners.php file and impacts versions prior to 2.2.4, making it a critical security concern for systems utilizing this content management platform. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before rendering it within the web application's response.
The technical exploitation of this XSS vulnerability occurs through unspecified vectors that allow remote attackers to inject malicious web script or HTML content into the application's error output handling mechanism. When the hook_cntrlr_error_output function processes error conditions, it fails to adequately sanitize the input parameters, creating an opportunity for attackers to execute arbitrary code within the context of a victim's browser session. This flaw operates at the application layer and can be leveraged by malicious actors to perform various attack vectors including session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with the capability to manipulate user sessions and potentially escalate privileges within the administrative interface. Given that this affects the admincp component, successful exploitation could lead to complete compromise of the CMS installation, allowing unauthorized individuals to modify content, access sensitive data, or even gain full administrative control over the affected system. The vulnerability's presence in the error handling mechanism makes it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through various legitimate application interactions, increasing the attack surface and exploitation probability.
Organizations utilizing TangoCMS versions prior to 2.2.4 should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-supplied patch or upgrading to version 2.2.4 or later. Additionally, implementing proper input validation, output encoding, and content security policies can help reduce the risk of exploitation. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script injection attacks. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious input patterns that may indicate attempts to exploit this vulnerability. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues within the application's codebase and ensure comprehensive protection against similar attack vectors.