CVE-2010-2852 in RunCms
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in modules/headlines/magpierss/scripts/magpie_debug.php in RunCms 2.1, when the Headlines module is enabled, allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the url parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/28/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2852 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the RunCms 2.1 content management system, specifically affecting the Headlines module. This vulnerability exists in the magpierss/scripts/magpie_debug.php file which is part of the module's implementation for handling RSS feed data. The flaw manifests when the Headlines module is enabled and active within the CMS environment, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of affected user sessions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the url parameter within the magpie_debug.php script. When user input is not properly sanitized or validated before being processed and displayed, attackers can inject malicious payloads that execute in the browsers of unsuspecting users who visit pages containing the vulnerable output. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is classified as a critical security weakness in web applications. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic input validation failure where the application fails to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into dynamic web content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or defacement, as it enables attackers to perform session hijacking, redirect users to malicious sites, or inject phishing content that can compromise user credentials and sensitive information. The Headlines module specifically processes RSS feeds from external sources, making it an attractive target for attackers who can leverage the vulnerability to inject malicious code into what appears to be legitimate content. This creates a sophisticated attack vector where users are more likely to trust the content since it originates from what they perceive as a legitimate news or content aggregation source.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly under the T1566 technique for Initial Access through spearphishing attachments or links, and T1059 for Command and Scripting Interpreter. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical expertise, making it a preferred target for automated attack tools and less sophisticated threat actors. Organizations using RunCms 2.1 with the Headlines module enabled should immediately implement mitigations including input validation, output encoding, and proper parameter sanitization. The recommended approach involves implementing strict input filtering for the url parameter, employing context-specific output encoding, and ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly validated before processing. Additionally, network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation and output encoding in preventing XSS attacks, which remain one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security flaws.