CVE-2014-9004 in vldPersonals
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in vldPersonals before 2.7.1 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the id parameter in a member_profile action to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2025
The CVE-2014-9004 vulnerability represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw that existed within the vldPersonals web application framework prior to version 2.7.1. This vulnerability specifically targets the application's handling of user input through the id parameter within the member_profile action of the index.php script. The flaw allows remote attackers to execute malicious web scripts or HTML code within the context of other users' browsers, creating a significant security risk for the application's user base. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into dynamic web page content.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's failure to properly escape or filter user input before rendering it in web pages. When a user submits a request containing a malicious id parameter through the member_profile action, the application processes this input without sufficient sanitization measures. This creates an environment where attacker-controlled data can be executed as client-side scripts, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or unauthorized actions performed on behalf of authenticated users. The vulnerability specifically affects the index.php script's handling of the id parameter, making it a targeted injection point for malicious actors seeking to exploit the application's trust in user-provided data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable sophisticated attack vectors that compromise user privacy and application integrity. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or inject phishing content that appears legitimate to end users. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from any location without requiring physical access to the target system or network. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where the application handles sensitive personal information or user credentials, as the attack can be executed at scale against multiple users without detection. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-9004 should focus on implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application. The most effective approach involves sanitizing all user-supplied input, particularly parameters like the id field in this case, through proper escaping techniques before rendering them in web pages. Organizations should implement Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution and adopt secure coding practices that prevent direct insertion of user data into dynamic content. The recommended solution includes upgrading to vldPersonals version 2.7.1 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the input validation deficiencies. Additionally, regular security testing including dynamic application security testing and manual code reviews should be implemented to identify similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices and maintaining up-to-date software versions to prevent exploitation by threat actors who continuously scan for known vulnerabilities in web applications.