CVE-2017-0378 in Phamm
Summary
by MITRE
XSS exists in the login_form function in views/helpers.php in Phamm before 0.6.7, exploitable via the PATH_INFO to main.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/13/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0378 represents a cross-site scripting flaw within the Phamm web application framework version 0.6.6 and earlier. This security weakness resides in the login_form function located within the views/helpers.php file, making it accessible through manipulation of the PATH_INFO parameter directed to the main.php script. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in web applications, where improper input validation allows malicious scripts to be injected into web pages viewed by other users. This particular implementation flaw demonstrates poor output encoding practices in the application's authentication handling mechanism, creating a persistent vector for attacker exploitation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the PATH_INFO server variable which is typically used to pass additional path information to web applications. When an attacker crafts a malicious request to main.php with specially formatted PATH_INFO data containing script tags or other malicious payloads, the login_form function fails to properly sanitize or encode this input before rendering it within the login interface. This failure to implement proper input validation and output encoding creates an environment where attacker-controlled data can be executed in the context of a victim's browser session, potentially enabling session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The vulnerability specifically affects the authentication flow of the application, making it particularly dangerous as it could be leveraged to compromise user accounts and gain unauthorized access to protected resources.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0378 extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive user authentication data and session information. When exploited successfully, this vulnerability could allow an attacker to steal user credentials, manipulate authentication flows, or redirect users to phishing sites that appear legitimate. The attack vector through PATH_INFO manipulation means that even users who navigate to the application through normal browsing patterns could be exposed to this vulnerability, as the malicious input can be embedded in URL parameters or server-side request modifications. The vulnerability's presence in the login form specifically targets the most critical component of any web application's security posture, potentially allowing complete compromise of user accounts and unauthorized access to application resources. This makes the vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors targeting web applications for credential theft or persistent access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0378 should focus on immediate application patching to version 0.6.7 or later, which contains the necessary fixes to properly sanitize and encode user input within the login_form function. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout their web applications, particularly in authentication components where user-supplied data enters the system. The remediation approach should align with defensive programming practices recommended by the OWASP Top Ten and ATT&CK framework, specifically focusing on preventing injection attacks through proper data sanitization. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policy headers, input validation at multiple layers, and regular security assessments can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future application versions. Network-based protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, though the primary solution remains the application-level fix that properly encodes output and validates input within the vulnerable helper function.