CVE-2011-4551 in TikiWiki
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in tiki-cookie-jar.php in TikiWiki CMS/Groupware before 8.2 and LTS before 6.5 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via arbitrary parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/20/2025
The CVE-2011-4551 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in TikiWiki CMS/Groupware platforms prior to version 8.2 and LTS version 6.5. This vulnerability exists within the tiki-cookie-jar.php component and exposes the system to remote code execution through malicious web script injection. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate arbitrary parameters, creating a pathway for unauthorized script execution within the context of affected user sessions. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, specifically targeting the improper handling of user-supplied input that should be sanitized before processing. This type of vulnerability enables attackers to bypass standard security measures by injecting malicious scripts that execute in the victim's browser, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further exploitation of the compromised system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding within the cookie jar functionality of TikiWiki. When the application processes user-supplied parameters through tiki-cookie-jar.php, it fails to properly sanitize or escape data before incorporating it into web responses. This weakness creates an environment where malicious actors can inject HTML tags, JavaScript code, or other malicious content through seemingly innocuous parameter values. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through various attack vectors including web forms, URL parameters, or even HTTP headers. Attackers can craft specially designed requests that, when processed by the vulnerable application, execute their malicious code within the browser context of authenticated users. The impact is particularly severe because the vulnerability affects the core cookie management functionality, which is fundamental to maintaining user sessions and application state.
The operational consequences of this vulnerability extend beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with significant capabilities for persistent exploitation and data exfiltration. Successful exploitation can lead to session hijacking where attackers gain unauthorized access to user accounts, potentially compromising sensitive organizational data. The vulnerability also enables more sophisticated attacks such as credential theft, redirection to malicious sites, or the deployment of additional malware through the compromised browser environment. From an attacker perspective, this vulnerability aligns with the ATT&CK technique of Web Application Attack Surface, specifically targeting the credential access and persistence phases. The long-term impact includes potential compromise of the entire TikiWiki installation, as attackers can use the initial XSS payload to escalate privileges or maintain access through persistent script injection techniques. Organizations using vulnerable versions face risks of unauthorized data access, regulatory compliance violations, and reputational damage due to potential data breaches.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-4551 focus on immediate patching and input validation improvements. Organizations must upgrade to TikiWiki versions 8.2 or LTS 6.5 and later, which contain the necessary security fixes. Additionally, implementing comprehensive input sanitization measures including parameter validation, output encoding, and the use of Content Security Policy headers can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. The implementation of proper web application firewalls and security monitoring systems helps detect and prevent malicious parameter injection attempts. Security teams should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar flaws in other components of the web application stack. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing defense-in-depth strategies. Organizations should also consider implementing secure coding practices that emphasize input validation and output encoding as core development principles, aligning with industry standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks. Regular security training for developers and system administrators remains crucial to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future releases.