CVE-2011-4074 in phpLDAPadmin
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in cmd.php in phpLDAPadmin 1.2.x before 1.2.2 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via an _debug command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/04/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2011-4074 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in phpLDAPadmin version 1.2.x prior to 1.2.2. This issue specifically affects the cmd.php script which processes command-line arguments and debug functionality. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied parameters, particularly when the _debug command is utilized within the application's interface. Attackers can exploit this weakness by injecting malicious web scripts or HTML code through carefully crafted input that gets processed without proper encoding or filtering mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize or escape user-controllable data before incorporating it into dynamically generated web content. When phpLDAPadmin processes the _debug command, it directly incorporates user-supplied parameters into the HTTP response without adequate security controls. This allows attackers to inject malicious payloads that execute in the context of other users' browsers who visit affected pages. The vulnerability is classified as a classic XSS flaw and aligns with CWE-79 which defines the weakness of insufficient input validation and output encoding in web applications. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it leverages the application's legitimate debugging functionality to deliver malicious content.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations relying on phpLDAPadmin for directory management. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute arbitrary scripts in the browser of authenticated users, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or unauthorized access to directory services. The attack requires minimal privileges as it targets a publicly accessible web interface component, making it particularly attractive to threat actors. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the directory services managed through phpLDAPadmin, as compromised user sessions could be used to modify or delete directory entries. This flaw particularly impacts organizations with multiple users accessing the LDAP directory through the web interface, as any authenticated user could become a vector for broader attacks.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2011-4074 requires immediate implementation of the vendor-provided security patch version 1.2.2 which addresses the input validation issues in cmd.php. Organizations should also implement additional defensive measures including input sanitization, output encoding, and the principle of least privilege in web application design. Network-based mitigations such as web application firewalls can provide additional protection by filtering suspicious payloads before they reach the vulnerable application. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and output encoding practices as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers phishing with malicious attachments or links. Regular security assessments and code reviews focusing on user input handling should be conducted to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components of the application stack. System administrators should also monitor for any signs of exploitation attempts and maintain updated security monitoring tools to detect potential malicious activity targeting this vulnerability.