CVE-2010-4748 in pmwiki
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in pmwiki.php in PmWiki 2.2.20 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the from parameter to Main/WikiSandbox. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/18/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4748 represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the PmWiki content management system version 2.2.20. This weakness resides in the pmwiki.php script and specifically affects the Main/WikiSandbox page where user input is processed without adequate sanitization. The vulnerability manifests when attackers can manipulate the 'from' parameter through HTTP requests, enabling them to inject malicious web scripts or HTML content directly into the application's output. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which categorizes improper neutralization of input during web page generation, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to exploit web application security weaknesses.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the 'from' parameter within the WikiSandbox page functionality. When users navigate to Main/WikiSandbox with a crafted 'from' parameter, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before rendering it in the web page context. This creates an environment where malicious scripts can execute within the browser context of unsuspecting users who visit affected pages. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and inadequate output encoding mechanisms that are fundamental requirements in secure web application development.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection as it provides attackers with a potential vector for more sophisticated attacks including session hijacking, credential theft, and redirection to malicious sites. Users who visit compromised pages may unknowingly execute malicious code that can capture their session cookies, redirect them to phishing sites, or perform actions on their behalf within the context of the vulnerable application. This risk is particularly concerning in collaborative wiki environments where multiple users may interact with the same content, potentially amplifying the attack surface and impact of the vulnerability.
Security practitioners should implement multiple layers of mitigation for this vulnerability including immediate patching of the PmWiki application to version 2.2.21 or later where the XSS vulnerability has been addressed. Additionally, input validation should be strengthened at the application level by implementing proper sanitization of all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in URL query strings. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that wiki pages do not execute arbitrary code and that user inputs are properly escaped before being rendered in web contexts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which covers scripting languages and T1566 which addresses credential access through social engineering, highlighting the need for comprehensive security controls including web application firewalls and regular security assessments.
The remediation approach should include comprehensive code review of all input handling mechanisms within the application, implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution, and establishing robust input validation routines that conform to industry standards. Organizations should also consider implementing automated security scanning tools to identify similar vulnerabilities in other web applications and establish secure coding practices that prevent such issues from occurring in future development cycles. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation and output encoding in preventing XSS attacks, particularly in collaborative web environments where user-generated content processing is common.