CVE-2013-2750 in e107
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in e107_plugins/content/handlers/content_preset.php in e107 before 1.0.3 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the query string.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2750 represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the e107 content management system, specifically affecting versions prior to 1.0.3. This issue resides in the content_preset.php file located within the e107_plugins/content/handlers directory structure, making it a targeted attack vector against web applications that utilize this particular plugin architecture. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before it is rendered in web pages. The affected component processes query string parameters without sufficient sanitization, creating an environment where malicious actors can inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content directly into the application's response.
This XSS vulnerability operates through the manipulation of HTTP query parameters that are processed by the content_preset.php handler, allowing remote attackers to execute malicious code within the context of other users' browsers. The flaw enables attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, defacement of web pages, and redirection to malicious sites. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities, and it maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.002 for script injection attacks. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access to user sessions, modify content displayed to legitimate users, and potentially escalate privileges within the application environment.
The operational consequences of this vulnerability are significant for any organization utilizing e107 versions before 1.0.3, as it provides attackers with a straightforward method to compromise user browsers and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require physical access to the target system or any special privileges beyond the ability to craft malicious URLs. Users who visit compromised pages containing the malicious script will unknowingly execute the attacker's code, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for web applications that serve a large user base or handle sensitive data. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the content management system's plugin architecture, potentially compromising the integrity and confidentiality of all content managed through the affected version.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to e107 version 1.0.3 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the input validation gaps. Additionally, administrators should implement proper input sanitization measures at the application level, including the implementation of Content Security Policy headers, output encoding for all dynamic content, and regular security audits of plugin components. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and output encoding practices, which are fundamental security controls recommended by OWASP and other industry security frameworks. Security monitoring should also be enhanced to detect anomalous query string patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures against similar vulnerabilities.