CVE-2005-4022 in Gallery
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the "Add Image From Web" feature in Gallery 2.0 before 2.0.2 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via Javascript in an IMG tag.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/17/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-4022 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Gallery 2.0 content management system, specifically affecting versions prior to 2.0.2. This security weakness resides in the "Add Image From Web" functionality, which permits users to incorporate external images into their gallery collections through web-based image URLs. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter malicious content submitted through the image URL parameter, creating an avenue for attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of other users' browsers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows the classic XSS attack pattern where malicious input is not properly escaped or validated before being rendered in the web application's user interface. When users navigate to pages containing the vulnerable gallery functionality, the malicious JavaScript code embedded within the IMG tag's source URL executes in the browser context of other users who view the affected gallery. This occurs because the application does not adequately sanitize user-supplied URLs before incorporating them into dynamically generated HTML content, allowing attackers to embed script tags or JavaScript event handlers that execute when the page loads.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables attackers to compromise user sessions, steal sensitive information, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of victims, and potentially redirect users to malicious websites. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires minimal user interaction beyond viewing the compromised gallery page, making it an effective means for mass exploitation. The vulnerability affects the integrity of the web application's user interface and can lead to complete session hijacking, data theft, and potential lateral movement within compromised networks where Gallery 2.0 is deployed.
Security practitioners should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses Cross-site Scripting flaws in web applications, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1531, which involves the use of malicious content to compromise systems. The remediation strategy involves upgrading to Gallery 2.0.2 or later versions where input validation has been properly implemented. Additionally, administrators should implement proper output encoding mechanisms, validate all user-supplied content, and consider implementing Content Security Policy headers to mitigate the impact of similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments of their web applications to identify and remediate other potential XSS vulnerabilities that may exist in their systems.
The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and output encoding in web application security, particularly in features that process external content. The flaw highlights how seemingly benign functionality can become a gateway for sophisticated attacks when proper security controls are not implemented. Organizations should maintain updated security practices and regularly review their applications for similar vulnerabilities that could compromise user safety and data integrity.