CVE-2003-1539 in Simple File Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in ONEdotOH Simple File Manager (SFM) before 0.21 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via (1) file names and (2) directory names.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/01/2019
The CVE-2003-1539 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in ONEdotOH Simple File Manager version 0.20 and earlier, which exposes web applications to persistent client-side attacks through improper input validation mechanisms. This vulnerability specifically targets the file management interface where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into web responses without adequate sanitization or encoding. The flaw exists in the handling of both file names and directory names, creating multiple attack vectors that can be exploited by remote adversaries to execute malicious scripts within the context of victim browsers. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly escape or validate user-provided content before rendering it in web pages, thereby enabling attackers to inject arbitrary HTML and JavaScript code that executes in the browsers of unsuspecting users.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which categorizes cross-site scripting as a weakness where untrusted data is incorporated into web pages without proper validation or encoding. The specific attack scenario involves an attacker creating or uploading files with malicious payloads in their names or directory structures, which are then displayed in the file manager interface. When other users browse the affected file manager, their browsers execute the injected scripts, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it affects both file and directory name handling, providing attackers with multiple opportunities to establish persistent malicious presence within the application's interface.
The operational consequences of this vulnerability extend beyond simple script execution to encompass broader security implications for web application integrity and user trust. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to manipulate the file manager interface, potentially hiding malicious files or directories from normal viewing, creating backdoor access points, or establishing persistent command and control channels through infected file names. The vulnerability also enables attackers to exploit user sessions by stealing cookies or performing unauthorized actions within the context of authenticated users. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in shared hosting environments or applications where multiple users interact with the same file manager, as it can facilitate privilege escalation or unauthorized data access through session manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2003-1539 should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application's data flow. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to ONEdotOH Simple File Manager version 0.21 or later, which includes proper sanitization of user inputs. Organizations should also implement Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution capabilities and ensure that all user-supplied data is properly encoded before being rendered in web contexts. Additionally, the application should employ proper input validation that rejects or sanitizes potentially malicious characters and sequences, particularly those commonly used in XSS attacks such as angle brackets, script tags, and javascript protocols. Security measures should also include regular code reviews focusing on data handling practices and the implementation of automated scanning tools to detect similar vulnerabilities in other application components. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in web applications and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script injection, emphasizing the need for robust security controls in file management interfaces.