CVE-2014-8069 in Pagekit
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in YOOtheme Pagekit CMS 0.8.7 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) HTTP Referer header to index.php/user or (2) PATH_INFO to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/13/2019
The vulnerability CVE-2014-8069 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in YOOtheme Pagekit CMS version 0.8.7, exposing the platform to remote code execution risks through malicious web script injection. This vulnerability specifically targets the application's input validation mechanisms, creating pathways for attackers to manipulate the CMS through HTTP headers and URL parameters. The flaw exists within the web application's handling of user-supplied data, particularly in the processing of the HTTP Referer header and PATH_INFO parameters, which are commonly used for navigation and user identification within web applications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through two distinct attack vectors that leverage the CMS's insufficient sanitization of input data. The first vector involves manipulation of the HTTP Referer header when accessing the user endpoint at index.php/user, while the second vector targets the PATH_INFO parameter during requests to index.php. Both attack methods demonstrate a classic lack of proper input validation and output encoding, where the application fails to adequately filter or escape user-provided data before incorporating it into dynamic web content. This weakness aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities, and reflects poor defensive programming practices that have been consistently documented in web application security frameworks.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-8069 extends beyond simple script injection, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of authenticated users' browsers. This capability allows threat actors to perform actions such as stealing session cookies, conducting phishing attacks, modifying content, or redirecting users to malicious websites. The vulnerability particularly affects users who have administrative privileges, as attackers could potentially gain elevated access to the CMS administration panel. The attack surface is broad due to the widespread use of the Pagekit CMS platform, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users interact with the system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-8069 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected CMS version, as YOOtheme released updates addressing these specific XSS vulnerabilities. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation mechanisms that sanitize all user-supplied data before processing, particularly focusing on HTTP headers and URL parameters. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection against script execution, while proper output encoding should be enforced throughout the application to prevent malicious code from being executed in browser contexts. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious header values and PATH_INFO parameters that could indicate attempted exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and following secure coding practices that align with ATT&CK framework techniques related to command and control communications and credential access through web application vulnerabilities.