CVE-2011-5258 in OrangeHRM
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in OrangeHRM before 2.6.11.2 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) uniqcode or (2) isAdmin parameter to index.php; or the (3) PATH_INFO to lib/controllers/centralcontroller.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/30/2024
The CVE-2011-5258 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting OrangeHRM versions prior to 2.6.11.2, demonstrating a classic input validation weakness that enables remote code execution through web script injection. This vulnerability operates within the context of human resources management software, where user input is not properly sanitized before being processed and returned to web browsers. The flaw manifests in three distinct attack vectors that collectively expand the exploitation surface for malicious actors seeking to compromise the system. The first vector targets the uniqcode parameter within the index.php file, while the second exploits the isAdmin parameter in the same file, both allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute within the context of authenticated user sessions. The third vector leverages the PATH_INFO parameter in the lib/controllers/centralcontroller.php file, creating an additional pathway for script injection attacks that can bypass traditional input validation mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization and output encoding practices within the OrangeHRM application framework. When user-supplied parameters are directly incorporated into web responses without proper validation or escaping, they create opportunities for attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code that executes in the victim's browser. The vulnerability specifically affects parameters that are processed through the application's core controllers, where input data flows through multiple processing layers before reaching the final output stage. This architectural weakness allows attackers to manipulate the application's behavior by injecting script code that can capture session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-79, which describes improper neutralization of input during web page generation, and represents a fundamental flaw in the application's security design that violates secure coding principles.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-5258 extends beyond simple script injection, potentially enabling attackers to perform session hijacking, data theft, and privilege escalation within the OrangeHRM environment. Since OrangeHRM typically handles sensitive employee data including personal information, salary details, and performance records, successful exploitation could lead to significant data breaches and compliance violations. Attackers can leverage these vulnerabilities to establish persistent access through stolen session tokens, potentially gaining administrative privileges if the isAdmin parameter is successfully manipulated. The attack vectors are particularly concerning because they target core application controllers that handle user authentication and authorization processes, making them ideal for establishing footholds within the system. The vulnerability affects not just individual user sessions but could potentially compromise the entire HR database, especially if attackers can manipulate the application's administrative functions through the isAdmin parameter.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-5258 must address the root cause through comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms. Organizations should immediately upgrade to OrangeHRM version 2.6.11.2 or later, which contains the necessary patches to prevent parameter manipulation. The implementation of proper input sanitization should include strict parameter validation, character encoding of output data, and the use of secure coding practices such as those recommended by the OWASP Top Ten project. Security controls should enforce proper parameter handling through the application's controller layer, ensuring that all input parameters are validated against expected formats and ranges. Additionally, organizations should implement web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious parameter patterns, while also establishing regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that all attack vectors are properly addressed, and security teams should monitor for exploitation attempts using threat intelligence feeds that track common attack patterns targeting OrangeHRM installations. This vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of input validation in web applications and the potential consequences of failing to implement proper security controls in enterprise software systems.