CVE-2011-3979 in Application Framework
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in ztemp/view_compiled/Theme/theme_admin_setasdefault.php in the theme module in Zikula Application Framework 1.3.0 build 3168, 1.2.7, and probably other versions allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the themename parameter in the setasdefault action to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/09/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3979 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Zikula Application Framework, specifically affecting versions 1.3.0 build 3168, 1.2.7, and potentially other releases in the affected series. This vulnerability exists in the theme module's administrative functionality, where the application fails to properly sanitize user input before rendering it in web responses. The flaw manifests in the path ztemp/view_compiled/Theme/theme_admin_setasdefault.php, which processes the themename parameter through the setasdefault action in the index.php file, creating an avenue for malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of authenticated users' browsers.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers manipulate the themename parameter in the setasdefault action, allowing them to inject malicious scripts that will execute whenever the affected page is accessed. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which specifically addresses the failure to properly sanitize user-provided data before incorporating it into web page content. The vulnerability's impact is significant as it enables attackers to bypass normal security restrictions and potentially steal session cookies, deface websites, or redirect users to malicious domains, all while operating under the guise of legitimate administrative functions within the Zikula framework.
The operational consequences of this vulnerability extend beyond simple script injection, as it can lead to complete compromise of administrative sessions and unauthorized modification of website themes and configurations. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access to the administrative interface, potentially leading to full system compromise through additional attack vectors. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the theme management system, which is essential for maintaining website appearance and user experience, making it particularly dangerous for content management systems where administrators regularly modify themes. This flaw particularly impacts organizations using Zikula as their content management platform, as it undermines the security of their administrative interfaces and creates opportunities for attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system configurations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-3979 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Zikula versions to ensure proper input sanitization and validation of the themename parameter. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation mechanisms that filter and escape all user-provided data before rendering it in web responses, following the principle of least privilege for administrative functions. Security measures should include implementing Content Security Policy headers to prevent execution of unauthorized scripts, regular security audits of web applications, and monitoring for suspicious administrative activities. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell demonstrates the potential for attackers to escalate privileges through script injection, making proper input validation essential for preventing broader exploitation. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests targeting this specific vulnerability pattern, while maintaining updated security configurations that prevent unauthorized access to administrative interfaces through proper authentication and authorization controls.