CVE-2005-3104 in Movable Type
Summary
by MITRE
mt-comments.cgi in Movable Type before 3.2 allows attackers to redirect users to other web sites via URLs in comments.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-3104 affects Movable Type software versions prior to 3.2, specifically targeting the mt-comments.cgi component. This represents a classic open redirect vulnerability that enables malicious actors to manipulate user navigation through crafted comment submissions. The flaw exists within the comment processing functionality where input validation is insufficient to prevent the inclusion of external URLs in comment fields. When users view comments containing malicious redirect links, they may be inadvertently directed to attacker-controlled websites, creating potential phishing opportunities or malicious payload delivery vectors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of user input within the comment submission process. The mt-comments.cgi script fails to properly validate or filter URLs contained in comment data before rendering them in the user interface. This allows attackers to insert crafted URLs that appear legitimate within the comment context while simultaneously functioning as redirect mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically impacts the web application's ability to distinguish between trusted internal links and potentially harmful external redirections, creating an attack surface where user trust can be exploited. This flaw aligns with CWE-601 Open Redirect vulnerability classification, which specifically addresses the risk of redirecting users to untrusted websites through inadequate input validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple user inconvenience to encompass significant security implications. Users who visit affected Movable Type installations may unknowingly be redirected to malicious sites that could host phishing content, malware distribution points, or credential harvesting pages. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it leverages the platform's legitimate commenting functionality, making malicious redirects appear trustworthy to end users. This creates a social engineering component where the attack exploits user confidence in legitimate website features rather than relying on technical exploits. The vulnerability can be exploited by attackers with minimal technical skill, as it only requires the insertion of a malicious URL within a comment field.
Organizations running vulnerable Movable Type installations face substantial risk of user deception and potential data compromise through this vulnerability. The redirect mechanism can be used to direct users to sites that mimic legitimate services, potentially capturing login credentials or personal information. Additionally, the vulnerability may enable attackers to distribute malware through redirect chains that appear to originate from trusted comment sections. Security teams should consider implementing content filtering measures to prevent external URL inclusion in comments, though the most effective mitigation involves immediate patching of affected systems. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in web applications and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of user interaction components. The issue also relates to ATT&CK technique T1566.001 Phishing via Spoofed Email, as the redirect functionality can be used to create deceptive user experiences that mimic legitimate website behavior, thereby facilitating social engineering attacks that bypass traditional security controls.