CVE-2005-3352 in HTTP Server
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the mod_imap module of Apache httpd before 1.3.35-dev and Apache httpd 2.0.x before 2.0.56-dev allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the Referer when using image maps.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-3352 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the mod_imap module of Apache httpd web server versions prior to specific security patches. This vulnerability specifically affects both the 1.3.x series before 1.3.35-dev and the 2.0.x series before 2.0.56-dev releases, creating a significant security risk for web applications that rely on this module for handling image map functionality. The mod_imap module is designed to process image maps and generate appropriate HTML output for web pages, making it a potential attack vector for malicious actors seeking to exploit web application security weaknesses.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding within the mod_imap module's processing of HTTP Referer headers. When the module encounters image map requests, it processes the Referer header to generate dynamic HTML content without properly sanitizing or escaping user-supplied input. This failure to implement proper input validation creates an environment where attackers can inject malicious JavaScript code or HTML content through the Referer header parameter. The vulnerability manifests when image maps are used in conjunction with the mod_imap module, allowing attackers to craft specially malformed Referer headers that, when processed by the vulnerable Apache server, execute arbitrary scripts in the context of the victim's browser.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, potentially enabling attackers to perform a range of malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, data exfiltration, and redirection to malicious websites. When exploited successfully, the XSS vulnerability allows attackers to execute code within the victim's browser context, potentially compromising user sessions and gaining access to sensitive information. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it can be initiated through standard web browsing activity, requiring no special privileges or complex exploitation techniques. The vulnerability affects any web application that utilizes the mod_imap module and processes image map functionality, making it a widespread concern for Apache httpd installations in production environments.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigations including updating to patched versions of Apache httpd, specifically versions 1.3.35-dev or later and 2.0.56-dev or later. The recommended remediation strategy involves applying the official security patches released by the Apache Software Foundation, which address the input validation shortcomings in the mod_imap module. Additionally, administrators should consider disabling the mod_imap module if image map functionality is not essential to their web applications, as this provides an additional layer of defense against exploitation. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual Referer header patterns that might indicate attempted exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and represents a classic example of how improper input handling can lead to severe security consequences. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious web content, and potentially T1071.001 for application layer protocol usage in the execution phase of an attack.