CVE-2005-2886 in MD-Pro
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in MAXdev MD-Pro 1.0.73, and possibly earlier versions, allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via (1) the print parameter to the print module, the sitename parameter to (2) bb_smilies or (3) bbcode_ref module, or (4) the hlpfile parameter to openwindow.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/24/2018
The CVE-2005-2886 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting MAXdev MD-Pro version 1.0.73 and potentially earlier releases. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security issues. The vulnerability manifests through four distinct attack vectors within the application's codebase, each presenting unique opportunities for malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts and HTML code in the context of other users' browsers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding within the application's modules. Specifically, the print parameter in the print module fails to sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into the web response, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts. Similarly, the sitename parameter in both bb_smilies and bbcode_ref modules lacks proper sanitization mechanisms, while the hlpfile parameter in openwindow.php suffers from the same deficiency. These flaws collectively demonstrate a fundamental weakness in the application's security architecture where user input is directly reflected in web pages without appropriate security measures.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates severe risks for users interacting with the MAXdev MD-Pro application. Attackers can exploit these XSS flaws to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of victims, redirect users to malicious websites, or even deface the application's content. The remote nature of the attack means that malicious actors can exploit these vulnerabilities from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target system. The attack vectors span multiple modules, indicating that the vulnerability is systemic rather than isolated to a single component, which amplifies the potential impact.
The security implications extend beyond immediate exploitation as these vulnerabilities can serve as stepping stones for more sophisticated attacks. According to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving code injection and credential theft, potentially enabling attackers to establish persistent access to the affected system. Organizations using MAXdev MD-Pro versions 1.0.73 or earlier face significant exposure to these attacks, particularly in environments where the application handles sensitive user data or serves as a communication platform.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate implementation of proper input validation and output encoding across all affected modules. The application should sanitize all user-supplied parameters before incorporating them into web responses, employing techniques such as HTML entity encoding and strict input validation. System administrators should also consider implementing content security policies and regular security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities. The most effective long-term solution involves upgrading to a patched version of MAXdev MD-Pro or implementing comprehensive web application firewalls to detect and block malicious input attempts. Organizations should also conduct regular security training for developers to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future applications, emphasizing the importance of secure coding practices and input validation mechanisms.