CVE-2009-1616 in Photo Gallery
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in docs/showdoc.php in Coppermine Photo Gallery (CPG) before 1.4.22 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the css parameter, a different vector than CVE-2008-0505.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/16/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-1616 represents a cross-site scripting flaw discovered in the Coppermine Photo Gallery web application, specifically within the docs/showdoc.php component. This issue affects versions prior to 1.4.22 and demonstrates a classic server-side input validation weakness that enables malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts in the context of victim browsers. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it operates through the css parameter, creating a distinct attack vector from previously known issues such as CVE-2008-0505, which helps establish that this represents a separate and potentially more dangerous class of vulnerability within the application's codebase.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied input within the css parameter processing logic. When the application fails to properly validate or escape the css parameter value before incorporating it into the generated HTML output, attackers can inject malicious scripts that execute in the browsers of unsuspecting users who visit affected pages. This weakness falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-site Scripting, specifically manifesting as a reflected XSS attack where the malicious payload is embedded in the URL and executed when the victim clicks on a malicious link or visits the compromised page. The vulnerability demonstrates a failure in the application's input validation and output encoding mechanisms, which are fundamental security controls designed to prevent injection attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform session hijacking, defacement of gallery content, or redirection to malicious sites. An attacker could craft a URL containing malicious JavaScript code within the css parameter that, when visited by a victim, would execute in their browser context and potentially steal session cookies or perform unauthorized actions on behalf of the user. This type of vulnerability particularly threatens web applications that handle user-generated content, as it provides a direct pathway for attackers to compromise user sessions and potentially escalate privileges within the application's access control framework. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple versions indicates a systemic issue in the application's security architecture rather than a one-time coding error.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-1616 should prioritize immediate patching of the Coppermine Photo Gallery to version 1.4.22 or later, which contains the necessary fixes to address the input validation flaw. Organizations should also implement comprehensive input sanitization measures, including strict validation of the css parameter and proper HTML escaping of all user-supplied content before rendering in the application's output. Security measures should include implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution and employing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current security patches and implementing robust input validation across all application parameters, as this represents a preventable issue that can be addressed through proper security development practices and regular vulnerability assessments. Additionally, the ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1059.007 technique for script injection, emphasizing the need for defensive measures against such exploitation methods in web applications.