CVE-2017-18364 in phpFK lite
Summary
by MITRE
phpFK lite has XSS via the faq.php, members.php, or search.php query string or the user.php user parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-18364 affects phpFK lite, a content management system designed for small websites and forums. This particular flaw represents a cross-site scripting vulnerability that specifically targets four key script files within the application. The vulnerability manifests through multiple attack vectors including the faq.php, members.php, search.php, and user.php files, each presenting distinct pathways for malicious exploitation. The security implications are significant as these files handle user interactions and data display, making them prime targets for attackers seeking to compromise user sessions or inject malicious content into the application's interface.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization within the phpFK lite application. When users interact with the affected scripts through query string parameters or user input fields, the application fails to properly sanitize or escape user-supplied data before rendering it in web pages. This allows attackers to inject malicious javascript code or other harmful payloads through the vulnerable parameters. The vulnerability specifically affects the faq.php, members.php, and search.php files where query string parameters are processed without adequate sanitization, and additionally impacts user.php where the user parameter is not properly validated before being displayed to other users. This represents a classic case of improper input handling that violates fundamental security principles.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-18364 extends beyond simple data corruption or display issues. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious websites, or inject persistent malicious content that affects all users interacting with the compromised application. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of phpFK lite's user management and content display systems, potentially allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to user accounts or manipulate the content presented to other users. This type of vulnerability can also serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks, as it provides a foothold for attackers to establish persistent access or escalate privileges within the compromised system. The vulnerability's presence in multiple files increases the attack surface and makes it more difficult for administrators to fully remediate the issue.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-18364 require immediate attention and comprehensive application of security best practices. Organizations should implement proper input validation and output sanitization across all user-facing parameters within the affected phpFK lite application. This includes applying strict sanitization routines to all query string parameters and user input fields before processing or displaying any content. The implementation should follow established security frameworks such as the CWE-79 category for cross-site scripting prevention, which recommends the use of context-specific output encoding and input validation techniques. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads targeting these specific vulnerabilities. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar issues in other application components, with particular attention to the ATT&CK framework's T1566 technique for initial access through web application vulnerabilities. The most effective long-term solution involves upgrading to a patched version of phpFK lite or migrating to a more secure platform that properly implements security controls for preventing cross-site scripting attacks.