CVE-2005-3577 in Walla TeleSite
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting vulnerability (XSS) in ts.exe (aka ts.cgi) in Walla TeleSite 3.0 and earlier allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the sug parameter.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-3577 represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the Walla TeleSite 3.0 web application framework, specifically affecting the ts.exe component also known as ts.cgi. This security weakness resides in the application's handling of user input parameters, creating a persistent vector for malicious code injection that can compromise user sessions and data integrity. The vulnerability manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize or encode user-supplied data before incorporating it into dynamically generated web content, thereby allowing attackers to execute arbitrary scripts within the context of other users' browsers.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the sug parameter, which serves as an input field that processes user queries or suggestions within the TeleSite application interface. When an attacker crafts malicious input containing script code within this parameter and submits it to the vulnerable application, the ts.exe component processes this input without adequate validation or sanitization measures. The resulting web page then renders this unfiltered content directly to unsuspecting users, enabling the execution of malicious scripts in their browser context. This particular implementation flaw falls under the category of reflected cross-site scripting as described by CWE-79, where the malicious payload is reflected back to the user through the application's response mechanism.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to hijack user sessions, steal sensitive information, manipulate application data, or redirect users to malicious websites. Attackers can leverage this weakness to perform session hijacking by injecting scripts that capture cookies or authentication tokens, thereby gaining unauthorized access to user accounts. The vulnerability also enables more sophisticated attacks such as defacement of web pages, data exfiltration, or the creation of backdoor access points within the compromised application environment. According to ATT&CK framework category T1059, this vulnerability represents a method for executing malicious code within the target system's browser environment, while T1531 specifically addresses the technique of using web application vulnerabilities to gain access to user sessions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-3577 should focus on implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the TeleSite application. The most effective approach involves sanitizing all user-supplied input parameters, particularly the sug parameter, through comprehensive validation that removes or encodes potentially dangerous characters such as angle brackets, script tags, and other HTML markup elements. Additionally, implementing proper content security policies and using secure coding practices that enforce strict output encoding when rendering user data can prevent the execution of injected scripts. Organizations should also consider deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious payloads targeting known XSS vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input sanitization and output encoding as fundamental security controls, aligning with industry best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten and the CWE guidelines for preventing cross-site scripting vulnerabilities through proper data validation and encoding mechanisms.