CVE-2005-4245 in Snipe Gallery
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in search.php in Snipe Gallery 3.1.4 and earlier allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the keyword parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-4245 represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the Snipe Gallery content management system version 3.1.4 and earlier. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting attacks where malicious scripts are injected into web applications. The vulnerability exists in the search.php component of the gallery system, making it particularly dangerous as search functionality is typically one of the most accessed features by end users. The flaw allows remote attackers to execute malicious code through the keyword parameter, which means that any user interacting with the search function could potentially be exposed to malicious scripts.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization within the search.php script. When users enter search terms into the keyword parameter, the application fails to properly sanitize or escape the input before processing it. This lack of proper input filtering creates an environment where attackers can inject malicious HTML or JavaScript code directly into the search parameter. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the user interface level, making it accessible to attackers without requiring any special privileges or authentication. The injection occurs during the search processing phase, where the malicious payload gets executed in the context of other users' browsers who view the search results.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can lead to various forms of malicious activity including session hijacking, data theft, and defacement of the gallery content. Attackers could potentially steal user sessions, redirect victims to malicious websites, or even inject malware through the compromised search functionality. The vulnerability affects all users of the affected Snipe Gallery versions, creating a widespread security risk that could compromise the integrity of the entire gallery system. Additionally, since the vulnerability is present in the search functionality, it could be exploited across multiple pages of the website, amplifying the potential damage. The long-term implications include potential compromise of user data and the gallery's reputation, as users may lose trust in the security of the platform.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and output encoding techniques. The most effective immediate fix involves sanitizing all user inputs, particularly the keyword parameter in search.php, by implementing strict validation rules that reject or escape potentially dangerous characters. Organizations should also implement Content Security Policy headers to limit the execution of inline scripts and prevent unauthorized code injection. Regular security audits and input validation testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application. The remediation process should include updating to the latest version of Snipe Gallery where this vulnerability has been patched, as well as implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious search queries. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to OWASP Top Ten security guidelines, particularly those related to input validation and output encoding, which are fundamental defenses against XSS attacks. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1203 technique for exploitation of web applications, emphasizing the need for comprehensive web application security measures including proper parameter validation and secure coding practices.