CVE-2009-2226 in Tree BBS
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Let s PHP! Tree BBS 2004/11/23 and earlier allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2226 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Let's PHP! Tree BBS software version 2004/11/23 and earlier. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-79, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of input during web page generation, commonly known as cross-site scripting. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of a victim's browser session, potentially leading to unauthorized actions performed on behalf of the user.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the BBS software's web interface. Attackers can exploit this weakness through unspecified vectors that likely involve user-supplied data being directly incorporated into web page responses without proper sanitization. The vulnerability affects the application's ability to distinguish between legitimate content and malicious script code, creating an environment where attacker-controlled input can be executed as part of the web page rendering process. This flaw typically occurs when user input is accepted through form fields, URL parameters, or other input mechanisms and subsequently displayed on web pages without appropriate HTML escaping or validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, data manipulation, and redirection to malicious websites. When exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to establish persistent presence within affected systems by injecting malicious scripts that can capture user interactions, steal cookies, or modify page content. The attack surface is particularly concerning for bulletin board systems as they typically handle large volumes of user-generated content, making them prime targets for XSS exploitation. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and can undermine the integrity and confidentiality of user sessions within the affected application.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-2226 should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application's codebase. Organizations should immediately upgrade to the latest version of Let's PHP! Tree BBS that contains proper XSS protection measures, as this represents the most effective immediate solution. Additionally, developers should implement proper HTML escaping for all user-supplied content before rendering it in web pages, utilize Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution, and employ regular security testing including dynamic application security testing to identify similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, highlighting the importance of defensive measures against script injection attacks that can compromise web application security. Organizations should also establish robust web application security monitoring to detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts.