CVE-2011-5041 in Pulse
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in Pulse Pro CMS 1.7.2 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) d parameter in a blocks action and (2) post_id parameter in an edit-post action to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/12/2025
The CVE-2011-5041 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in Pulse Pro CMS version 1.7.2 that exposes web applications to remote code execution through malicious script injection. This vulnerability specifically affects two distinct input parameters within the content management system's core functionality, creating multiple attack vectors for threat actors seeking to compromise user sessions and execute unauthorized commands. The flaw exists in the application's input validation mechanisms, failing to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing and rendering it within web pages.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient output encoding and input sanitization practices within the CMS's index.php file. Attackers can exploit the vulnerability by crafting malicious payloads targeting either the d parameter during blocks actions or the post_id parameter during edit-post actions. When these parameters contain unvalidated user input, the CMS fails to properly escape special characters, allowing malicious scripts to persist in the application's database and execute whenever affected pages are rendered. This creates a persistent threat where legitimate users may unknowingly execute malicious code through normal browsing activities.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-5041 extends beyond simple script injection, as it enables attackers to perform session hijacking, steal user credentials, redirect victims to malicious sites, and potentially gain administrative access to the CMS. The vulnerability's remote nature means attackers can exploit it without requiring local system access or physical presence, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that handle sensitive user data. The persistence of the vulnerability across multiple CMS actions indicates a systemic flaw in the application's security architecture rather than isolated incidents.
Security professionals should implement comprehensive input validation measures including strict parameter sanitization, output encoding, and the adoption of Content Security Policy headers to mitigate the risk. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which categorizes cross-site scripting flaws, and follows ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script injection. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems, implement web application firewalls, and conduct thorough security audits of all CMS components. The remediation process should include proper parameter validation, regular security updates, and the establishment of secure coding practices that prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future application versions.