CVE-2005-0412 in PostWrap
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Spidean PostWrap allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary HTML and web script via the page parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/22/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0412 represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the Spidean PostWrap web application, classified under CWE-79 as an input validation issue that permits malicious code execution through user-controllable parameters. This vulnerability specifically affects the page parameter handling mechanism, allowing remote attackers to inject arbitrary HTML and web scripts into the application's response. The flaw exists due to insufficient sanitization of user input passed through the page parameter, creating an opening for malicious actors to exploit the application's trust in client-side data. The vulnerability's impact is significant as it enables attackers to execute scripts in the context of other users' sessions, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or unauthorized actions within the application's scope. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically targeting web-based applications where user input is not properly validated or escaped.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability occurs when the Spidean PostWrap application processes the page parameter without adequate input filtering or output encoding. When user-supplied data is directly incorporated into web page responses without proper sanitization, attackers can embed malicious scripts that execute in the browsers of other users who view the affected content. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows for persistent or reflected XSS attacks, where malicious code can be stored within the application's database or executed immediately in the victim's browser context. Attackers typically craft payloads that include script tags or other HTML elements designed to steal cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. The exploitation process involves sending specially crafted URLs containing malicious payloads through the page parameter, which when processed by the vulnerable application, gets rendered in the browser without proper security measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, creating potential pathways for more sophisticated attacks within the target environment. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to steal session tokens, modify user permissions, or redirect victims to phishing sites designed to capture credentials. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access or network proximity to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous for web applications accessible over the internet. Organizations using Spidean PostWrap would face significant risks including data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and potential compromise of user accounts. The vulnerability also poses challenges for compliance with security standards such as pci dss, which mandates protection against XSS attacks, and iso 27001, which requires proper input validation controls. Additionally, the vulnerability could lead to reputational damage and regulatory penalties if exploited successfully, particularly in environments where user data protection is critical.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-0412 should focus on implementing robust input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent malicious code injection. The primary defense involves sanitizing all user input parameters, particularly those used in dynamic content generation, through proper HTML encoding and validation techniques. Organizations should implement content security policies that restrict script execution and employ proper parameter validation to ensure that only expected data formats are accepted. The solution requires updating the Spidean PostWrap application to escape special characters in the page parameter and validate input against a strict whitelist of acceptable values. Security measures should include input filtering at multiple levels, including application-level validation, database-level sanitization, and output encoding for all dynamic content. Additionally, regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in the application's codebase, while implementing proper web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads. The implementation of secure coding practices and regular security training for developers can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future versions of the application.