CVE-2012-2099 in Wikidforum
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in Wikidforum 2.10 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) search field, or the (2) Author or (3) select_sort parameters in an advanced search.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-2099 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting Wikidforum version 2.10. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the web application's search functionality, creating multiple entry points for malicious code injection. The vulnerability specifically targets three distinct parameters within the advanced search interface, making it particularly dangerous as attackers can exploit any of these vectors to compromise user sessions and execute unauthorized commands. The flaw operates by allowing remote attackers to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML code directly into the application's response, which then gets executed in the context of other users' browsers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities in web applications. The flaw exists because the application fails to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into dynamic web content. When users submit search queries or advanced search parameters, the application does not adequately filter or escape special characters that could be interpreted as HTML or JavaScript code. This lack of proper input validation creates a persistent security gap that enables attackers to inject malicious payloads that persist in the application's database and are subsequently served to other users. The vulnerability affects the search field, Author parameter, and select_sort parameter, each representing different pathways through which malicious code can be introduced.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft, as it enables attackers to hijack user sessions, manipulate application behavior, and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. Users who view search results or browse pages containing malicious code injection can unknowingly execute scripts that steal cookies, redirect traffic to malicious sites, or perform actions on behalf of the victim. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in a forum environment where users may trust the application's content and interact with search results without considering potential security implications. Attackers can craft payloads that appear legitimate within the forum's context, making detection more difficult and increasing the likelihood of successful exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-2099 should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application. The most effective approach involves sanitizing all user-provided input through strict validation rules and applying proper HTML escaping before rendering any dynamic content. Organizations should implement Content Security Policy headers to prevent unauthorized script execution and ensure that all search parameters undergo rigorous sanitization processes. Additionally, regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. The remediation process should include updating Wikidforum to a patched version that addresses the XSS vulnerabilities, while also establishing automated input validation routines that align with OWASP Top Ten security guidelines. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of implementing defense-in-depth strategies and proper input handling mechanisms as outlined in the ATT&CK framework's web application security categories.