CVE-2011-4564 in Active
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the admin script in Active CMS 1.2 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the mod parameter in a module action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2024
The CVE-2011-4564 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in Active CMS version 1.2's administrative interface. This vulnerability resides within the admin script that handles module actions, specifically exposing the mod parameter to improper input validation mechanisms. The flaw allows remote attackers to execute malicious web scripts or HTML code within the context of other users' browsers, potentially compromising the entire administrative environment. The vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input parameters, particularly those used in administrative workflows where privileged access is required.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability occurs when the Active CMS admin script processes the mod parameter without adequate validation or encoding of special characters. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that exploit this weakness by manipulating the module action parameters, enabling them to inject JavaScript code or HTML content into the administrative interface. When legitimate users with administrative privileges view the affected pages, their browsers execute the injected code, creating a persistent security risk. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be executed remotely, making it particularly dangerous for content management systems that handle sensitive administrative functions.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-4564 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can lead to complete administrative compromise of the Active CMS instance. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to steal session cookies, escalate privileges, redirect users to malicious sites, or even modify content within the CMS. The administrative interface typically contains sensitive data and control mechanisms, making successful exploitation particularly devastating. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire content management system, potentially allowing attackers to modify or delete content, add malicious users, or gain persistent access to the administrative environment. Organizations using Active CMS 1.2 face significant risk of data breaches and system compromise when this vulnerability remains unpatched, as it provides an attack vector that can be exploited by threat actors with minimal technical expertise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-4564 should focus on immediate patching of the Active CMS software to the latest available version that addresses this specific vulnerability. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent similar issues in other applications, particularly in administrative interfaces where user input is processed. Web application firewalls can provide additional protection by filtering suspicious input patterns, while regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities. The implementation of proper content security policies and strict input sanitization procedures can help prevent exploitation of similar XSS vulnerabilities. Security teams should also establish monitoring protocols to detect anomalous behavior in administrative interfaces and ensure that all user inputs are properly validated before processing, aligning with industry best practices for secure web application development and the principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten security framework.