CVE-2011-5019 in Textpattern
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in setup/index.php in Textpattern CMS 4.4.1, when the product is incompletely installed, allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the ddb parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/20/2025
The CVE-2011-5019 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within Textpattern CMS version 4.4.1 that emerges during incomplete installation scenarios. This vulnerability specifically targets the setup/index.php file and exploits a lack of proper input validation mechanisms. The flaw manifests when the ddb parameter receives unfiltered user input, creating an avenue for malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it occurs during the installation phase when the system is in a vulnerable state, making it accessible to attackers who can manipulate the setup process.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which categorizes cross-site scripting as a weakness where untrusted data is incorporated into web pages without proper sanitization or encoding. The flaw occurs because the setup script fails to properly validate or escape the ddb parameter value before incorporating it into the page output. This allows attackers to inject malicious payloads that persist and execute whenever the vulnerable page is accessed. The vulnerability is classified as a persistent XSS issue since the injected content can be stored in the application's configuration or setup state and executed against multiple users.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-5019 extends beyond simple script injection, potentially enabling attackers to perform session hijacking, deface the website, steal sensitive information, or redirect users to malicious sites. During incomplete installations, administrators may be unaware of the vulnerability, creating a window of opportunity where attackers can compromise the system before proper security measures are implemented. The attack vector is straightforward, requiring only that an attacker manipulate the ddb parameter through URL manipulation or form submission to trigger the XSS payload. This vulnerability directly impacts the CIA triad by compromising confidentiality through potential data exfiltration, integrity through content manipulation, and availability through potential service disruption.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-5019 should focus on immediate patching of the Textpattern CMS to version 4.5.0 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed. Organizations should implement proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms for all parameters received during setup processes, particularly those that will be stored or displayed in web contexts. The principle of least privilege should be enforced during installation phases, limiting access to setup scripts to authorized administrators only. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policy headers can provide an additional layer of protection against XSS attacks by restricting the sources from which scripts can be loaded. Regular security audits of web applications during installation phases are crucial, as this vulnerability demonstrates how incomplete or improperly configured systems can create exploitable conditions. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and input sanitization techniques as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST guidelines for preventing XSS vulnerabilities in web applications.