CVE-2017-14619 in phpMyFAQ
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in phpMyFAQ through 2.9.8 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the "Title of your FAQ" field in the Configuration Module.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/30/2025
The CVE-2017-14619 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in phpMyFAQ versions up to 2.9.8 that exposes the application to remote code execution through web script injection. This vulnerability specifically targets the "Title of your FAQ" field within the Configuration Module, where insufficient input validation allows attackers to embed malicious scripts that execute in the context of other users' browsers. The flaw resides in the application's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied data before rendering it in web pages, creating a persistent XSS vector that can be exploited by unauthenticated attackers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate output encoding and input validation mechanisms within phpMyFAQ's administrative interface. When administrators or users view FAQ entries containing malicious scripts in the title field, the browser executes the embedded code, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. This vulnerability maps to CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which specifically addresses the failure to properly encode or escape user-controllable data before incorporating it into web content. The attack vector operates through standard HTTP requests where attackers craft malicious payloads that exploit the lack of proper sanitization in the configuration module's input handling.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-14619 extends beyond simple script injection, as it enables attackers to escalate privileges and compromise entire web applications. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to steal administrator sessions, modify configuration settings, or inject backdoors into the system. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the phpMyFAQ deployment, particularly when the application is used in enterprise environments where administrative access provides extensive control over database configurations. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with T1059.007 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell and T1566 - Phishing, as it enables the delivery of malicious payloads through compromised web interfaces. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where administrators frequently interact with the configuration module.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-14619 require immediate implementation of input validation and output encoding controls within the phpMyFAQ application. Organizations should upgrade to phpMyFAQ version 2.9.9 or later, which includes proper sanitization of user inputs in the configuration module. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policy headers, enabling proper input filtering, and conducting regular security audits of web application inputs can prevent similar vulnerabilities. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of all user-supplied data fields, particularly those used in administrative modules where privileged actions occur. Security teams should also implement web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads attempting to exploit XSS vulnerabilities, while establishing secure coding practices that emphasize proper input validation and output encoding as fundamental security controls.