CVE-2012-5337 in jforum
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in jforum.page in JForum 2.1.9 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) action, (2) match_type, (3) sort_by, or (4) start parameters.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/07/2024
The CVE-2012-5337 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting JForum version 2.1.9, specifically within the jforum.page component. This vulnerability exposes the application to remote code execution risks through malicious input injection attacks that can compromise user sessions and data integrity. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied parameters during page rendering operations, creating an attack surface that adversaries can exploit to execute malicious scripts in the context of affected users' browsers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the jforum.page module. Attackers can manipulate four specific parameters - action, match_type, sort_by, and start - to inject malicious scripts that persist in the application's response. These parameters are typically used for navigation and sorting operations within the forum interface, making them prime targets for exploitation since they are frequently processed without adequate sanitization. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which categorizes cross-site scripting as a code injection flaw that occurs when applications fail to properly validate or encode user input before incorporating it into dynamic web content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable session hijacking, credential theft, and unauthorized access to forum resources. When victims browse pages containing malicious scripts, their browsers execute the injected code, potentially leading to cookie theft, redirection to malicious sites, or modification of forum content. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal user interaction beyond visiting a compromised page, making it susceptible to mass distribution through phishing campaigns or compromised forum content. This vulnerability can be classified under ATT&CK technique T1566, specifically targeting the initial access phase through malicious web content delivery.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding across all user-supplied parameters. The primary defense involves sanitizing all input values before processing them within the application, particularly for parameters used in dynamic page generation. Organizations should implement proper HTML escaping mechanisms and employ Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution capabilities. Additionally, upgrading to patched versions of JForum or implementing web application firewalls with XSS detection capabilities can provide layered protection against exploitation attempts. Regular security audits and input validation testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components, as this type of flaw often indicates broader security gaps in web application design patterns.