CVE-2005-1297 in include.cgi
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the include.cgi script allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the argument.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/23/2017
The CVE-2005-1297 vulnerability represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw in the include.cgi script that poses significant security risks to web applications. This vulnerability falls under the broader category of insecure input handling and improper output encoding, which are fundamental weaknesses in web application security. The issue specifically affects web applications that utilize the include.cgi script for dynamic content inclusion, creating an attack vector where malicious actors can manipulate the script's argument parameter to inject harmful code. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of a victim's browser session, effectively bypassing the normal security boundaries that protect web applications from client-side attacks.
The technical flaw in CVE-2005-1297 stems from inadequate validation and sanitization of user-supplied input parameters within the include.cgi script. When the script processes the argument parameter, it fails to properly escape or encode special characters that could be interpreted as HTML or JavaScript code. This lack of input sanitization creates an environment where attackers can inject malicious payloads that get executed when other users view the affected web page. The vulnerability is classified as a reflected XSS attack since the malicious script is reflected back to the user through the vulnerable script's output without being stored on the server. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through various means including phishing emails, malicious links, or compromised websites that direct users to the vulnerable script with malicious parameters.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-1297 extends beyond simple data theft or defacement, as it can enable sophisticated attack chains that compromise user sessions and potentially lead to complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or inject malicious code that persists in the user's browser. The vulnerability affects not just the immediate web application but can also serve as a stepping stone for more complex attacks, including credential theft, data exfiltration, and privilege escalation within the affected application. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability would likely violate several security standards including those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, specifically targeting the A03:2021-Injection and A07:2021-Identification and Authentication Failures categories. The attack surface is particularly broad since any web application using the vulnerable include.cgi script is at risk, making this a critical issue for organizations with legacy web applications or those that have not properly updated their security measures.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-1297 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging. The primary fix involves implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the include.cgi script to sanitize all user-supplied parameters before processing them. This includes implementing strict parameter validation, using context-appropriate encoding techniques such as HTML entity encoding for output, and employing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts, while conducting regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other scripts and applications. The remediation process should include comprehensive code reviews to ensure all input parameters are properly validated, and developers should be trained on secure coding practices to prevent similar injection vulnerabilities. Additionally, organizations should maintain up-to-date vulnerability management processes that include regular patching of legacy systems and proper security configuration management to minimize the attack surface of their web applications. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and output encoding practices, which are fundamental requirements in the CWE taxonomy under CWE-79 for Cross-site Scripting and CWE-20 for Improper Input Validation, emphasizing the need for robust defensive programming techniques throughout the software development lifecycle.