CVE-2005-0336 in MediaPartner Web Server
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in EMotion MediaPartner Web Server 5.0 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary HTML or web script, as demonstrated using a URL containing .. sequences and HTML, which results in a directory browsing page that does not properly filter the HTML.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/23/2017
The CVE-2005-0336 vulnerability represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw in the EMotion MediaPartner Web Server version 5.0 that demonstrates how improper input validation can lead to severe security implications for web applications. This vulnerability specifically affects the server's handling of URL parameters containing directory traversal sequences and HTML content, creating an environment where malicious actors can inject arbitrary code into web pages viewed by other users. The flaw resides in the server's directory browsing functionality where it fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before rendering it in the browser context.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the server's inadequate filtering mechanisms when processing URLs that contain .. sequences, which are typically used for directory traversal operations. When an attacker crafts a malicious URL containing these sequences along with HTML content, the web server processes the request without sufficient sanitization, allowing the injected HTML to be rendered in the directory browsing page. This behavior violates fundamental web security principles and creates a persistent XSS vector that can be exploited across multiple user sessions. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-79 as Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, specifically manifesting as a reflected XSS attack where the malicious payload is embedded in the server response.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code injection, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute malicious scripts in the context of victims' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to compromise user sessions, steal sensitive information, or perform unauthorized actions on behalf of authenticated users. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the web server level, affecting all users who access the directory browsing functionality and potentially exposing the entire web application to further exploitation. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript and T1566.001 for Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment, as it enables the delivery of malicious JavaScript through web-based vectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-0336 should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent the injection of malicious content into web responses. Organizations should ensure that all user-supplied input is properly sanitized before being processed or displayed in web pages, implementing strict validation of URL parameters and directory traversal sequences. The web server should be configured to disable directory browsing where possible, or implement robust filtering mechanisms that prevent HTML content from being rendered in directory listing pages. Security patches should be applied immediately to update the EMotion MediaPartner Web Server to versions that address this vulnerability, while also implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious input patterns. Additionally, regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar input validation flaws in other web applications and systems, ensuring comprehensive protection against similar cross-site scripting vulnerabilities.