CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2024-55889NVD status: Analyzed

phpMyFAQ: User Interface (UI) Misrepresentation of Critical Information

CVE-2024-55889 is a high-severity user interface (UI) misrepresentation of critical information vulnerability in phpMyFAQ from Thorsten, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.2 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with administrator privileges, without any action from a user. Affected phpMyFAQ versions: < 3.2.10. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 2.19% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 83% of scored CVEs.

Next patch cycle

High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.

What to do

  1. Check which version of phpMyFAQ you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
  2. Read the advisory on github.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
ThorstenphpMyFAQ< 3.2.10Not stated

Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.

How the severity score breaks down

Attack vector
NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
Attack complexity
LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
Privileges required
HighAdministrator-level access is required first.
User interaction
NoneNo action by a victim is required.
Scope
UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
Confidentiality
HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
Integrity
HighData or code can be modified at will.
Availability
HighThe component can be taken down completely.

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.

Scoring systemScoreSeverityScored by
CVSS 3.14.9MediumCNA (github.com)
CVSS 3.17.2HighNVD

Official description

phpMyFAQ is an open source FAQ web application. Prior to version 3.2.10, a vulnerability exists in the FAQ Record component where a privileged attacker can trigger a file download on a victim's machine upon page visit by embedding it in an <iframe> element without user interaction or explicit consent. Version 3.2.10 fixes the issue.

Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.

The underlying weakness: User Interface (UI) Misrepresentation of Critical Information

The user interface (UI) does not properly represent critical information to the user, allowing the information - or its source - to be obscured or spoofed. This is often a component in phishing attacks.

How developers prevent this class of flaw

  • Perform data validation (e.g. syntax, length, etc.) before interpreting the data.
  • Create a strategy for presenting information, and plan for how to display unusual characters.

More User Interface (UI) Misrepresentation of Critical Information vulnerabilities (CWE-451)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: poc, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
  3. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Other vulnerabilities in phpMyFAQ

All phpMyFAQ vulnerabilities

Recent User Interface (UI) Misrepresentation of Critical Information vulnerabilities

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