CVE-2010-4811 in 6kbbs
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in ajaxmember.php in 6kbbs 8.0 build 20100901 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) user[msn], (2) user[email], and (3) user[phone] parameters in a modifyDetails action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4811 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the 6kbbs 8.0 content management system, specifically affecting the ajaxmember.php component. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into dynamic web page content. The affected parameters user[msn], user[email], and user[phone] all present identical security weaknesses, creating multiple attack vectors for malicious actors seeking to exploit this flaw. The vulnerability specifically manifests during the modifyDetails action, where user input is processed and potentially rendered back to the browser without proper security controls.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a standard XSS attack pattern where an attacker crafts malicious input containing script code within the vulnerable parameters. When the web application processes these inputs and displays them in the user interface, the embedded malicious scripts execute within the context of other users' browsers who view the affected content. This creates a persistent threat where legitimate users may unknowingly execute malicious code, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious websites. The vulnerability is classified as a classic reflected XSS issue according to CWE-79, which specifically addresses the improper neutralization of input during web page generation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, creating potential for significant security breaches within the 6kbbs system. Attackers could leverage this flaw to steal session cookies, execute unauthorized actions on behalf of users, or manipulate the application's functionality. The presence of multiple vulnerable parameters increases the attack surface and probability of successful exploitation, as attackers need only find one of the three input fields to compromise the system. This vulnerability directly violates security principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, specifically addressing the risk of cross-site scripting that can lead to complete application compromise. The attack vector requires no privileged access or special conditions, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by remote attackers with minimal technical expertise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4811 must focus on implementing robust input validation and output encoding mechanisms across all user-facing parameters. The most effective approach involves sanitizing all user inputs using whitelisting techniques and implementing proper HTML escaping before rendering any dynamic content. Organizations should immediately apply patches from the software vendor or implement custom security controls to address the root cause of the vulnerability. Additionally, implementing content security policies and using security headers can provide additional defense-in-depth measures against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation as outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique of "Command and Control" through web-based attack vectors, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security controls throughout the application lifecycle.