CVE-2011-3382 in Phorum
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Phorum before 5.2.16 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3382 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in the Phorum web forum software prior to version 5.2.16. This vulnerability classifies under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting attacks where malicious scripts are injected into otherwise benign web applications. The flaw enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or unauthorized actions performed on behalf of victims. Phorum, being a widely used open source forum platform, presents an attractive target for attackers seeking to exploit such vulnerabilities across multiple installations.
The technical nature of this XSS vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the Phorum application. Attackers can leverage unspecified vectors to inject malicious payloads that persist in the forum's database or are processed through user input fields, cookies, or URL parameters. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple script execution as it can be exploited to manipulate the forum's functionality, steal user credentials, or redirect users to malicious sites. The unspecified vectors suggest that multiple entry points within the application may be susceptible to such attacks, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous as attackers can potentially target various components including message boards, user profiles, or administrative interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations relying on Phorum for community engagement or internal communication. When exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to compromise user sessions, potentially gaining access to private messages, personal information, or administrative privileges. The remote nature of the attack means that no local access is required, and the vulnerability can be exploited from anywhere on the internet. This makes it particularly concerning for enterprises that may have deployed Phorum without proper security hardening or monitoring in place, as the attack surface remains continuously exposed to automated scanning tools and manual exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also represents a potential vector for more sophisticated attacks such as credential stuffing or privilege escalation within the forum environment.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to Phorum version 5.2.16 or later to remediate this vulnerability, as no effective workarounds exist for this specific flaw. The mitigation strategy should include comprehensive input validation, output encoding, and the implementation of Content Security Policies to prevent unauthorized script execution. Security teams should also conduct thorough audits of their Phorum installations to identify any custom modifications that may have introduced additional vulnerabilities. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1566.001 which covers "Phishing with Social Engineering" and T1059.007 which addresses "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript." Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be implemented to identify similar vulnerabilities in other web applications within the organization's attack surface. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious script injection patterns can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts.