CVE-2014-2090 in ilias
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in ilias.php in ILIAS 4.4.1 allow remote authenticated users to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) tar, (2) tar_val, or (3) title parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2090 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the ILIAS learning management system version 4.4.1. This issue affects the ilias.php script and exposes the platform to malicious injection attacks that can compromise user sessions and data integrity. The vulnerability specifically targets three parameters - tar, tar_val, and title - which are processed without adequate input sanitization, creating persistent entry points for attackers to execute malicious code within the context of authenticated user sessions.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation and sanitization of user-supplied input parameters within the ILIAS application framework. When authenticated users interact with the affected system components, the application fails to properly escape or filter special characters in the specified parameters, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in the browsers of other users. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which is classified as a fundamental web application security weakness that enables attackers to manipulate the intended behavior of web applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-2090 extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with the ability to manipulate user sessions, steal sensitive information, and potentially escalate privileges within the ILIAS environment. Remote authenticated users can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands on behalf of other users, potentially gaining access to confidential course materials, personal data, and administrative functions. The attack vector requires only authentication to the system, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by insiders or compromised accounts. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, demonstrating how attackers can leverage web-based scripting languages to maintain persistent access and execute malicious payloads.
Security implications of this vulnerability include potential data breaches, session hijacking, and the ability to redirect users to malicious websites that can harvest additional credentials or install malware. The affected parameters tar, tar_val, and title are commonly used in ILIAS for various administrative functions, making the attack surface particularly broad. Organizations using ILIAS 4.4.1 are advised to implement immediate mitigations including input validation, output encoding, and parameter sanitization measures. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and timely patch management for educational technology platforms that handle sensitive user data and academic information.