CVE-2005-4237 in Mysqlauction
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in MySQL Auction 3.0 and earlier allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified search module parameters, possibly the keyword parameter in the SearchZoom module.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-4237 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within MySQL Auction 3.0 and earlier versions, specifically affecting the search module functionality. This weakness resides in the application's handling of user input parameters within the SearchZoom module, where the keyword parameter serves as the primary attack vector. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of proper input validation and output sanitization, creating an environment where malicious actors can execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of other users' browsers.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly escape or filter user-supplied input before rendering it in web responses. When users submit search queries through the affected search module, the application processes these inputs without adequate sanitization measures, allowing attackers to inject malicious payloads that persist in the application's search results or related pages. This flaw operates under CWE-79 which categorizes cross-site scripting vulnerabilities as a result of insufficient input validation and output encoding. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables attackers to bypass normal security restrictions and execute scripts in the victim's browser context, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further exploitation of the application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with a foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the application environment. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that handle sensitive user data. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 which describes the use of script-based attacks, and T1531 which covers the exploitation of web applications. The vulnerability's presence in MySQL Auction 3.0 and earlier versions indicates a widespread issue affecting legacy web applications that may not have received adequate security updates or patches.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of input validation and output encoding measures within the affected application. Organizations should implement proper parameter sanitization techniques, including the use of HTML entity encoding for all user-supplied input before rendering in web responses. The application should employ a whitelist-based approach for acceptable input characters and implement Content Security Policy headers to prevent unauthorized script execution. Additionally, regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. The most effective long-term solution involves upgrading to patched versions of MySQL Auction or implementing a web application firewall that can detect and block malicious input patterns. Security teams should also establish comprehensive monitoring procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain up-to-date vulnerability assessments to prevent similar issues in future application deployments.