CVE-2009-1623 in Dew-NewPHPLinks
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in index.php in Dew-NewPHPLinks 2.0 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the PID parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2024
The CVE-2009-1623 vulnerability represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw in the Dew-NewPHPLinks 2.0 web application, specifically within the index.php script. This vulnerability arises from inadequate input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects the core functionality of the application's parameter handling mechanism, specifically the PID parameter that serves as an identifier for various content elements within the system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious payload and injects it through the PID parameter in the URL. When the vulnerable application processes this parameter without proper sanitization, the injected script becomes part of the dynamic web page content. This allows the attacker to execute malicious code in the victim's browser, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The flaw falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities, where applications fail to properly validate or escape user input before incorporating it into dynamically generated web pages. The vulnerability demonstrates a failure in input validation and output encoding practices that are fundamental to preventing XSS attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable sophisticated attack vectors including session fixation, data exfiltration, and user impersonation. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to steal cookies, session tokens, and potentially gain unauthorized access to administrative functions if the application lacks proper access controls. The vulnerability affects all users interacting with the Dew-NewPHPLinks 2.0 application, making it a critical security concern for organizations relying on this platform. The attack requires minimal sophistication and can be executed through simple URL manipulation, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may encounter malicious links through social engineering or compromised websites.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-1623 should focus on implementing robust input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application. The most effective approach involves sanitizing all user-supplied input, particularly parameters like PID, through proper escaping techniques before incorporating them into web page content. Organizations should implement Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution and employ proper input validation libraries that can identify and neutralize malicious payloads. Additionally, the application should utilize parameterized queries and proper HTML escaping functions to ensure that any user input is treated as data rather than executable code. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566 for phishing, as attackers can leverage this weakness to deliver malicious payloads through crafted web links. The remediation process should also include comprehensive security testing including dynamic application security testing and manual code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities in other parameters and functions within the application.