CVE-2005-0723 in paFileDB
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the jumpmenu function in functions.php for paFileDB 3.1 and earlier allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the URL parameters, which is not properly cleansed in the $pageurl variable, as demonstrated using pafiledb.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/01/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0723 represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the paFileDB 3.1 content management system that exposes users to potential malicious code execution. This issue specifically targets the jumpmenu function located in the functions.php file, which serves as a critical component for navigation within the application's interface. The vulnerability arises from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices, creating an exploitable pathway for remote attackers to inject malicious web scripts or HTML content directly into the application's response stream.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of URL parameters that are processed by the jumpmenu function without proper cleansing of the $pageurl variable. When users navigate through the paFileDB interface, the application fails to adequately filter or escape user-supplied input before incorporating it into dynamically generated HTML content. This oversight creates a condition where attacker-controlled data can be seamlessly integrated into the page's output, effectively allowing malicious scripts to execute within the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability demonstrates poor secure coding practices and highlights the critical importance of input validation at multiple layers within web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, data exfiltration, and redirection to phishing sites. Users who visit compromised pages may unknowingly execute malicious code that can capture their session cookies, redirect them to fraudulent websites, or modify the content they see on legitimate pages. The vulnerability affects all users of paFileDB 3.1 and earlier versions, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by attackers without requiring authentication or privileged access to the system. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-site Scripting, which is classified as a critical security weakness in web applications.
Security practitioners should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability effectively. The primary remediation involves implementing proper input validation and output encoding techniques that ensure all user-supplied data is properly sanitized before being processed or displayed. This includes implementing strict parameter validation for URL inputs, applying HTML entity encoding to dynamic content, and utilizing secure coding practices that prevent direct injection of user data into executable contexts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls and content security policies as supplementary protections. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which describes social engineering attacks through malicious links, and T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreter execution. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application, particularly focusing on areas where user input is processed and displayed without proper sanitization. The remediation process should also include updating to patched versions of paFileDB and implementing comprehensive security awareness training for developers to prevent similar issues in future implementations.