CVE-2019-8924 in XAMPP
Summary
by MITRE
XAMPP through 5.6.8 allows XSS via the cds-fpdf.php interpret or titel parameter. NOTE: This product is discontinued.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-8924 affects XAMPP versions through 5.6.8 and represents a cross-site scripting vulnerability that exploits the cds-fpdf.php script. This security flaw resides in the parameter handling mechanism of the XAMPP web server environment, specifically within the fpdf library integration that is commonly used for generating PDF documents. The vulnerability manifests when user-supplied input is not properly sanitized before being processed by the application, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into web pages viewed by other users. The affected parameters include both the interpret and titel parameters, which are likely used for processing and displaying data related to concert schedules or similar content within the XAMPP interface.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which defines Cross-Site Scripting as a weakness that occurs when an application incorporates untrusted data into web pages without proper validation or escaping. The flaw represents a classic stored XSS vulnerability where malicious payloads can be persisted in the application's database or configuration files and executed whenever the affected page is loaded. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by crafting malicious input in the interpret or titel fields that contain JavaScript code, which then gets executed in the browsers of unsuspecting users who access the affected pages. The impact is significant as it allows for session hijacking, credential theft, defacement of web content, and potential redirection to malicious websites.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-8924 extends beyond simple data corruption or display issues, as it provides attackers with a foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the XAMPP environment. When exploited, this vulnerability can enable attackers to access sensitive user information, modify content displayed to other users, or redirect them to phishing sites designed to capture credentials. The vulnerability is particularly concerning given that XAMPP is a popular development environment that often includes sensitive database configurations and administrative interfaces. The fact that this product is discontinued adds to the risk profile, as there are no official patches or updates available to address this vulnerability, leaving systems exposed indefinitely.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations for CVE-2019-8924 by removing or disabling the vulnerable cds-fpdf.php script from their XAMPP installations. Input validation and output encoding should be implemented at the application level to sanitize all user-supplied data before processing or display. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of vulnerable components. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for JavaScript execution and T1566 for credential access through web applications. Regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in legacy systems, and organizations should consider migrating to supported, actively maintained web application platforms that receive regular security updates and patches. The discontinued nature of XAMPP makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as no security patches are available, emphasizing the importance of immediate remediation through alternative means.