CVE-2013-4190 in Plone
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in (1) spamProtect.py, (2) pts.py, and (3) request.py in Plone 2.1 through 4.1, 4.2.x through 4.2.5, and 4.3.x through 4.3.1 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2026
The vulnerability CVE-2013-4190 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting multiple components within the Plone content management system across several version ranges. This issue impacts spamProtect.py, pts.py, and request.py modules, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on Plone for their web content management infrastructure. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML code, potentially compromising user sessions and enabling malicious activities. These XSS vulnerabilities arise from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the affected Python modules, creating attack vectors that can be exploited without authentication. The flaw affects a broad range of Plone versions from 2.1 through 4.1, 4.2.x through 4.2.5, and 4.3.x through 4.3.1, indicating a prolonged period of exposure within the software ecosystem.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of user-supplied input within the identified Python modules. When user data is processed through these components without adequate sanitization or encoding, malicious scripts can be executed within the context of other users' browsers. This occurs because the system fails to properly escape special characters or validate input parameters before rendering them in web responses. The unspecified vectors suggest that multiple pathways exist for exploitation, potentially including form submissions, URL parameters, or other user-controllable inputs that flow through these vulnerable modules. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, where improper validation of input data leads to execution of malicious scripts in user browsers. This weakness creates a persistent threat landscape where attackers can leverage the vulnerability to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-4190 extends beyond simple script injection, creating potential for severe consequences in compromised environments. Attackers could exploit these vulnerabilities to hijack user sessions, steal sensitive information, or manipulate content within the Plone system. The broad version compatibility of the vulnerability means that organizations with older Plone installations face significant exposure, particularly those that have not maintained current security patches. This vulnerability directly relates to ATT&CK technique T1566 which involves phishing attacks through malicious links or content injection, allowing adversaries to establish persistent access to systems. The impact is compounded by the fact that these modules are fundamental to Plone's functionality, making exploitation relatively straightforward and potentially affecting core system operations. Organizations may experience data breaches, unauthorized content modification, or complete compromise of user authentication mechanisms, especially in environments where users have administrative privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-4190 require immediate action to address the vulnerable Plone versions and implement proper input validation controls. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to patched versions of Plone that address these XSS vulnerabilities, as the affected versions have been superseded by security releases. The implementation of proper input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms within the affected Python modules should be enforced, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly escaped before being rendered in web responses. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any custom modules or extensions that may be similarly vulnerable, as the attack surface extends beyond the core modules. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and content security policies can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. Organizations should also establish monitoring procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain up-to-date security patches for their Plone installations. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patched versions to ensure that the security fixes do not introduce regressions in system functionality. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the web application infrastructure, reinforcing overall security posture and reducing the risk of similar exploitation scenarios.