CVE-2010-4607 in Habari
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in Habari 0.6.5, when register_globals is enabled, allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) additem_form parameter to system/admin/dash_additem.php and the (2) status_data[] parameter to system/admin/dash_status.php. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/03/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2010-4607 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting Habari 0.6.5 content management system when the dangerous register_globals PHP configuration is enabled. This vulnerability exposes the system to remote code execution through malicious script injection attacks that can compromise user sessions and data integrity. The flaw specifically targets two distinct endpoints within the administrative dashboard, creating multiple attack vectors for threat actors seeking to exploit the system. The vulnerability operates under CWE-79 which classifies it as a classic cross-site scripting weakness where unvalidated input is directly incorporated into web pages without proper sanitization or encoding mechanisms.
The technical exploitation occurs through two primary parameters that fail to properly validate or sanitize user input before rendering in the web interface. The first attack vector targets the additem_form parameter within the system/admin/dash_additem.php file, while the second vector exploits the status_data[] parameter in system/admin/dash_status.php. When register_globals is enabled, PHP automatically creates global variables from GET, POST, and cookie data, creating an environment where malicious input can be seamlessly injected into the application's execution context. This configuration essentially bypasses normal input validation controls and allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of authenticated users' browsers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform session hijacking, steal sensitive administrative credentials, modify content, and potentially escalate privileges within the CMS environment. The administrative dashboard serves as a critical control point for content management, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can provide attackers with full administrative capabilities. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it requires only a single malicious input to compromise the entire system, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation tools. Attackers can craft malicious URLs that, when visited by administrators, execute unauthorized commands or redirect users to malicious sites.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4607 require immediate implementation of multiple defensive measures including disabling the register_globals PHP setting which is inherently insecure and deprecated in modern PHP versions. The system administrators should implement proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms to sanitize all user-supplied data before processing or displaying it in web pages. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policy headers can provide an additional layer of protection against script injection attacks by restricting the sources from which scripts can be loaded. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of keeping CMS software updated and following secure coding practices that prevent the use of dangerous PHP configurations. Organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads targeting these specific parameters. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers spearphishing with malicious attachments and links, as attackers can exploit such vulnerabilities through crafted web content to gain unauthorized access to systems.