CVE-2009-4744 in Oicgroup
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Contact module in Exponent CMS 0.97-GA20090213 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the email parameter. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/03/2026
The CVE-2009-4744 vulnerability represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the Contact module of Exponent CMS version 0.97-GA20090213. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly process user-supplied data before incorporating it into web responses. The vulnerability specifically affects the email parameter within the contact form functionality, creating an avenue for malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of other users' browsers. The flaw operates under CWE-79 which categorizes improper neutralization of input during web page generation as a fundamental weakness in web application security. This vulnerability exemplifies the types of issues commonly addressed by the OWASP Top Ten Project, particularly the category of injection flaws that remain among the most prevalent security risks in web applications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers submit malicious payloads through the email parameter of the contact form. When the application processes this input without proper sanitization, the malicious code becomes embedded in the web page response and executes in the browsers of unsuspecting users who view the affected content. The attack vector demonstrates how insufficient validation of user inputs can lead to persistent XSS vulnerabilities, where the malicious code can be stored and executed repeatedly. This type of vulnerability enables attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, defacement of web pages, and redirection to malicious sites. The vulnerability's classification aligns with the ATT&CK framework's technique T1566 which covers social engineering tactics involving malicious content delivery through web applications. The flaw represents a critical security gap in the application's data handling processes and highlights the importance of implementing robust input validation and output encoding mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-4744 extends beyond immediate script execution capabilities to encompass broader security implications for the affected organization. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to steal session cookies and impersonate legitimate users, potentially gaining unauthorized access to administrative functions or sensitive data. The vulnerability could also enable attackers to modify content displayed on the website, undermining the integrity of the application's information and potentially damaging the organization's reputation. Organizations using Exponent CMS 0.97-GA20090213 would face increased risk of data breaches, unauthorized modifications, and potential compliance violations if this vulnerability remains unaddressed. The attack could be particularly damaging in environments where the contact form is frequently accessed by authenticated users or where sensitive information might be transmitted through the contact module. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date web application security practices and implementing comprehensive security testing procedures. The exploitation scenario reflects common patterns seen in real-world attacks where attackers target CMS platforms due to their widespread use and the availability of documented vulnerabilities in older versions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-4744 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected Exponent CMS version, as this represents the most effective solution to address the underlying vulnerability. Organizations should implement input validation and sanitization measures that properly encode all user-supplied data before processing, particularly for parameters used in web page generation. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection against XSS attacks by restricting the sources from which scripts can be executed. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the web application. Input validation should include the use of allowlists for email addresses and other form fields, rejecting any input containing potentially malicious script tags or special characters. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block common XSS attack patterns. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining software security through regular updates and the implementation of defense-in-depth strategies that combine multiple security controls to protect against cross-site scripting attacks. Security teams should establish procedures for monitoring vulnerability databases and applying security patches promptly to minimize exposure windows.