CVE-2011-4565 in XOOPS
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in XOOPS 2.5.1.a, and possibly earlier versions, allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) text parameter to include/formdhtmltextarea_preview.php or (2) img BBCODE tag within the message parameter to pmlite.php (aka Private Message). NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/13/2019
The CVE-2011-4565 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting vulnerability affecting XOOPS content management systems version 2.5.1.a and potentially earlier releases. This vulnerability resides in the web application's handling of user input within specific file processing functions, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of affected users' browsers. The vulnerability impacts the core functionality of XOOPS by allowing attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML code through carefully crafted input parameters that are not properly sanitized or validated before being rendered to end users.
The technical flaw manifests in two distinct attack vectors within the XOOPS application's codebase. The first vector involves the text parameter in the include/formdhtmltextarea_preview.php file, where user-provided content fails to undergo adequate sanitization before being processed and displayed. The second vector targets the img BBCODE tag within the message parameter of pmlite.php, which handles private messaging functionality. Both vectors demonstrate poor input validation practices and inadequate output encoding mechanisms that allow attackers to bypass security controls designed to prevent malicious code execution. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-79: Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which is a fundamental weakness in web application security where user-controllable data is not properly escaped before being rendered in web pages.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-4565 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform session hijacking, deface websites, steal sensitive user information, or redirect users to malicious domains. When exploited through the private messaging functionality, attackers can compromise user sessions and potentially gain unauthorized access to personal information stored within the XOOPS system. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the web application by allowing unauthorized code execution in the context of legitimate user sessions. This represents a significant risk to organizations using XOOPS for content management, as the attack can be executed without requiring any privileged access or authentication, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-4565 should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms across all user-controllable parameters. Organizations should immediately upgrade to patched versions of XOOPS, as the vulnerability was addressed in subsequent releases through proper sanitization of user input and implementation of secure coding practices. The remediation approach should include implementing proper HTML entity encoding for all user-generated content, utilizing parameterized queries where applicable, and establishing robust input validation routines that reject or sanitize potentially malicious content before processing. Security controls should also incorporate Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit script execution and prevent unauthorized code injection. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001: Command and Scripting Interpreter for web-based attacks, where adversaries leverage web application vulnerabilities to execute malicious code in user browsers, emphasizing the importance of secure input handling and output encoding in preventing such exploitation scenarios.