CVE-2009-2324 in FCKeditor
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in FCKeditor before 2.6.4.1 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via components in the samples (aka _samples) directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/12/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2324 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting FCKeditor versions prior to 2.6.4.1. This vulnerability resides within the editor's samples directory components, making it particularly dangerous as it targets the very interface users interact with when exploring the editor's functionality. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious web scripts or HTML code through the sample pages, which are typically intended for demonstration purposes but become attack vectors when improperly sanitized. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental failure in input validation and output encoding practices within the editor's sample components, creating an environment where attacker-controlled content can be executed in the context of authenticated users' browsers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied input within the FCKeditor's sample directory components. When users navigate to the samples directory, the editor fails to properly escape or filter HTML characters and script tags that may be present in the sample content or configuration parameters. This weakness creates a persistent XSS vector where malicious payloads can be stored or injected into the sample pages, subsequently executed when other users access these pages. The vulnerability specifically affects the editor's ability to properly handle and sanitize data within its demonstration components, allowing attackers to craft payloads that exploit the trust relationship between the browser and the web application. According to CWE-79, this represents a classic cross-site scripting vulnerability where the application fails to properly validate or escape user input before rendering it in the browser context.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-2324 extends beyond simple script execution as it enables attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration. When authenticated users access the vulnerable sample pages, their browser sessions become compromised, potentially allowing attackers to perform actions on their behalf within the web application. The vulnerability also facilitates more sophisticated attacks such as phishing attempts where attackers can redirect users to malicious sites or inject malicious content that appears to originate from the legitimate web application. This creates a significant risk for organizations using FCKeditor, as the attack surface includes not only the editor's core functionality but also its demonstration components that are often accessible to end users. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious web content and T1059.007 for command and control through script execution.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement comprehensive mitigation strategies focusing on both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to FCKeditor version 2.6.4.1 or later, which includes proper input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms. Additionally, administrators should review and restrict access to the samples directory, particularly in production environments where these components are not required for operational use. Security configurations should enforce strict content security policies and implement proper input validation for all user-supplied data. The vulnerability highlights the importance of securing all components within web applications, including demonstration and sample files, as these are often overlooked in security assessments. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and regular security scanning to detect similar vulnerabilities in other components of their web applications, as the principles underlying this vulnerability apply broadly to web application security practices.