PacerCMS

There is an issue with 0.6.1 that may cause a minor nuisance when adding or updating items in the database on some hosts. If you recently upgraded, here are the files you need to bring your install current.

• includes/cm-header.php
• siteadmin/article-browse.php
• siteadmin/article-edit.php
• siteadmin/article-media.php
• siteadmin/cm-includes/cm-header.php
• siteadmin/issue-browse.php
• siteadmin/issue-edit.php
• siteadmin/page-edit.php
• siteadmin/poll-edit.php
• siteadmin/profile.php
• siteadmin/section-edit.php
• siteadmin/settings.php
• siteadmin/staff-access.php
• siteadmin/staff-edit.php
• siteadmin/submitted-browse.php
• siteadmin/submitted-edit.php

This Release (Subversion R104):

• Fixes an evaluation error on many hosts
• Plugs a minor file include risk if configuration file is missing

Download PacerCMS 0.6.2

We are proud to announce the next release of PacerCMS, 0.6.1. This release is aimed at developers looking to extend the back-end Site Administrator panel by better documentation of the functions and processes that go into publishing stories, managing users and sections. We have also cut down the number of database queries required to do routine tasks through better session management.

While this version does not add any significant features for the average user other than a few bug fixes, it is recommended for all users. Our friends at RawSecurity.org have outlined a few problems that would allow a malicious visitor to conceivably obtain access rights through cross-site scripting (XSS) in the content submission public module (./submit.php). Even if you are not able to process a full update right now, please do replace your existing submit.php file with the version found on our subversion repositories. While we cannot guarantee that a site running PacerCMS will be safe from people with malicious intent, we do take security issues seriously.

This Release (R101)

• Streamlined code base in Site Administrator
• Adoption of phpDoc.org code commenting
• Security release
• Various bug fixes and minor enhancements from the Developer’s List

Download PacerCMS 0.6.1

Project Description

PacerCMS is an open source adaptation of a PHP/MySQL application used to power a small weekly student newspaper Web site. The package serves as a basic framework for student and non-daily community newspapers. We are currently up to our sixth release of the project, but have not yet reached a stable “1.0″ milestone.

General Requirements

Knowledge of basic Subversion functions a must in order to contribute to development. Google account (free registration) required to join project on Google Code (principle location for Subversion repositories). Understanding and appreciation for student and community journalism will aide in catering to our target user base.

Areas of Need

• Core Project — Improve core functionality of project by streamlining activity for collaborative publishing; Review and implement suggestions from the user community; Refactor code base to adhere to a best practices standard
• Extend Project — Develop a means for a plugin architecture for internal and external development; Create standard API documentation to support plugin architecture
• Installation/Upgrading — Set installation requirements for project; Optimize package to be compatible on wide server configurations and user technical skill-sets; Create and maintain a utility to facilitate easy upgrades for future versions
• Database — Review database schema and optimize performance; Improve on existing data access layer to add support for more database platforms other than MySQL
• Documentation — Create and maintain online documentation for project; Documentation pertains to installation, technical administration and user operation
• Security — Perform a security audit of the system; identify, review, classify and repair possible security problems; Maintain closed communication with other developers as to protect the installed user base

To Inquire

Please join our discussion list at [http://groups.google.com/group/pacercms-discuss] and post a brief introduction of your interest in the project and skillset. Of course, you will probably wish to download and install a version of PacerCMS. You will find that our group is cordial, and welcome any ready to contribute. Visit our Web site at [http://pacercms.sourceforge.net].