CVE-2009-2178 in phpDatingClub
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in website.php in phpDatingClub 3.7 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the page parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2024
The CVE-2009-2178 vulnerability represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw that existed within the phpDatingClub 3.7 web application, specifically affecting the website.php script. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is one of the most prevalent and well-documented web application security weaknesses. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize user input received through the page parameter, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary HTML or JavaScript code that executes in the context of other users' browsers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the phpDatingClub application. When users navigate to the website.php page with a maliciously crafted page parameter, the application processes this input without adequate sanitization measures. The vulnerability specifically targets the parameter handling mechanism where user-supplied data flows directly into the web page output without proper HTML escaping or context-aware encoding. This creates an environment where attackers can embed malicious scripts that execute in the browsers of unsuspecting users who visit the affected pages.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform various malicious activities through the compromised user sessions. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious websites, deface the application interface, or even execute more sophisticated attacks such as credential theft or privilege escalation within the application. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the web application by potentially allowing unauthorized access to user data and system resources. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for Scripting and T1566.001 for Phishing, as it enables attackers to deliver malicious payloads through web-based attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-2178 should focus on implementing robust input validation and output encoding practices throughout the application. The most effective remediation involves sanitizing all user-supplied input through proper parameter validation and implementing context-appropriate output encoding before rendering any dynamic content. Organizations should deploy web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads, while also ensuring that the phpDatingClub application is updated to the latest version that addresses this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing content security policies and using secure coding practices that prevent direct injection of user data into HTML output can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. Security awareness training for developers should emphasize the importance of input validation and output encoding to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future implementations. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding standards and maintaining up-to-date security patches as part of comprehensive vulnerability management programs.