CVE-2011-4806 in phpAlbum
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in main.php in phpAlbum 0.4.1.16 and earlier allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) var1 and (2) keyword parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4806 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in the phpAlbum 0.4.1.1.16 and earlier versions. This vulnerability exists within the main.php script and affects web applications that utilize the phpAlbum content management system. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly handle user-supplied data. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating the var1 and keyword parameters through HTTP requests, potentially injecting malicious scripts or HTML code into the application's response. The vulnerability specifically targets the application's handling of dynamic content where user input is directly incorporated into web pages without proper security measures.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which defines Cross-Site Scripting as a weakness that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web applications viewed by other users. The flaw occurs because the application does not properly escape or filter special characters in user-supplied parameters before rendering them in HTML output. When the application processes the var1 and keyword parameters, it directly incorporates these values into the generated HTML without appropriate sanitization. This creates an environment where malicious payloads can be executed within the context of other users' browsers, enabling various attack vectors including session hijacking, data theft, and redirection to malicious sites.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-4806 extends beyond simple script injection as it provides attackers with persistent access to user sessions and potentially sensitive data. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the victim's browser, which may lead to complete compromise of user sessions through cookie theft or session fixation attacks. The vulnerability also enables phishing attacks where malicious scripts can redirect users to fraudulent websites or steal personal information. Additionally, since the application is vulnerable to multiple parameter injection points, attackers have increased opportunities to craft successful exploitation payloads. The widespread use of phpAlbum in web applications means that this vulnerability could affect numerous websites simultaneously.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-4806 should focus on implementing proper input validation and output encoding techniques. Organizations should immediately upgrade to phpAlbum version 0.4.1.17 or later where the vulnerability has been patched. Until an upgrade is possible, administrators should implement input sanitization measures including the use of proper HTML escaping functions before rendering any user-supplied data. The application should employ context-specific output encoding for different data types, particularly when handling parameters in HTML contexts. Security headers such as Content Security Policy should be implemented to limit script execution and prevent unauthorized code injection. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the web application stack. Organizations should also implement proper web application firewall rules to detect and block malicious payloads targeting these specific parameter injection points. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices and maintaining up-to-date software versions to prevent exploitation of known security flaws.