CVE-2005-4205 in Locazolist Classifieds
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in searchdb.asp in LocazoList 1.03c and earlier allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the q parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-4205 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the LocazoList 1.03c web application, specifically affecting the searchdb.asp component. This issue arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter user-supplied data before rendering it within web pages. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-79 as improper neutralization of input during web page generation, which directly enables malicious actors to execute arbitrary scripts in the context of the victim's browser. The affected parameter q in the searchdb.asp script serves as the primary injection vector, allowing attackers to embed malicious content that gets executed when other users view the search results page.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious payload containing script code within the q parameter of the search functionality. When the vulnerable application processes this input without proper sanitization, the injected code becomes part of the dynamic web page content and executes in the browser of any user who views the affected search results. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically targeting web application interfaces. The attack chain typically begins with the attacker identifying the vulnerable search endpoint, crafting the malicious input, and then either directly delivering the payload or leveraging social engineering to prompt users to click on the malicious search results.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-4205 extends beyond simple script execution, potentially enabling attackers to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users, or redirect victims to malicious websites. Since the vulnerability affects the core search functionality of the application, it provides attackers with a persistent vector for exploitation that can be leveraged repeatedly across different user sessions. The vulnerability affects all versions of LocazoList up to and including 1.03c, indicating a widespread issue within the application's codebase that likely stems from inadequate security practices during development. This flaw demonstrates poor input validation practices and highlights the importance of implementing comprehensive output encoding and validation mechanisms in web applications. The vulnerability's classification as a persistent XSS issue means that successful exploitation can lead to long-term compromise of user sessions and potentially full application compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address the root cause through proper input sanitization and output encoding. The primary remediation involves implementing strict validation of all user-supplied input, particularly in search parameters, and ensuring that all dynamic content is properly encoded before being rendered in web pages. Organizations should implement Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution capabilities and deploy web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads. The fix requires modifications to the searchdb.asp script to sanitize the q parameter input using appropriate encoding functions such as HTML entity encoding or context-appropriate escaping mechanisms. Additionally, regular security testing including dynamic application security testing and manual penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect web applications from common injection flaws.