CVE-2009-2360 in passwd
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in passwd/main.php in the Passwd module before 3.1.1 for Horde allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the backend parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2360 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Horde Passwd module, specifically in the passwd/main.php file. This issue affects versions prior to 3.1.1 and demonstrates a classic input validation weakness that enables malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of affected user sessions. The vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input, particularly the backend parameter that is processed without proper validation or encoding mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious payload containing script code and injects it through the backend parameter in the Passwd module. When the vulnerable application processes this input and subsequently displays it in the web interface without appropriate sanitization, the injected code executes within the browser context of authenticated users. This allows attackers to potentially steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users, or redirect victims to malicious websites. The vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting attacks, representing one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security flaws in the industry.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable sophisticated attack vectors including session hijacking, credential theft, and privilege escalation within the Horde application environment. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to user accounts, potentially compromising entire user bases within organizations that rely on the Horde framework for their web applications. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the Passwd module is commonly used for user authentication and password management functions, making it a prime target for malicious exploitation. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1531 which focuses on credential access through web application attacks, and T1059 which covers execution through script-based attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-2360 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms. Organizations should upgrade to Horde Passwd module version 3.1.1 or later, which includes the necessary patches to address the XSS vulnerability. Additionally, implementing comprehensive input sanitization routines that validate and escape all user-supplied data before processing is essential. Web application firewalls can provide additional protection layers, while regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities. The remediation process should also include educating developers about secure coding practices and implementing proper parameter validation to prevent similar issues in future development cycles.