CVE-2005-4367 in DRZES HMS
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in register_domain.php in DRZES HMS 3.2 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified search parameters, possibly the "Domain Availability" field. NOTE: this issue was later reported to affect CONTROLzx (renamed from DRZES) 3.3.4.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/02/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-4367 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the DRZES HMS 3.2 web application, which was subsequently renamed to CONTROLzx. This security weakness resides in the register_domain.php component and enables malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code through unspecified search parameters, with particular emphasis on the "Domain Availability" field. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic XSS attack vector where user input is not properly sanitized or validated before being rendered back to other users. This flaw operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities where web applications fail to properly validate or escape user-provided input before incorporating it into dynamic web pages.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the domain registration system. When users interact with the "Domain Availability" search functionality, the application processes the input without adequate sanitization measures, allowing attackers to inject malicious payloads that can execute within the context of other users' browsers. The attack vector exploits the fundamental weakness in web application security where user-controllable data flows directly into the application's output without proper encoding or filtering. This particular implementation likely fails to employ proper HTML escaping techniques or input validation routines that would neutralize potentially harmful script tags, javascript protocols, or other malicious constructs. The vulnerability affects both the original DRZES HMS 3.2 product and its successor CONTROLzx 3.3.4, indicating a persistent flaw in the application's data handling mechanisms that was not adequately addressed through version updates.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or session hijacking, as it can enable sophisticated attack chains that leverage the compromised application to perform more advanced malicious activities. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious domains, inject phishing content, or manipulate the application's functionality to gain unauthorized access to user accounts. The vulnerability falls under the MITRE ATT&CK framework's technique T1059, specifically targeting the execution of malicious code through web application interfaces. The threat landscape surrounding this vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects domain registration services, which typically handle sensitive user information and may provide access to critical infrastructure components. The persistence of this issue across product versions suggests inadequate security testing or code review processes during development cycles, potentially exposing multiple installations to the same attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application's data flow processing. Organizations should implement comprehensive HTML escaping routines for all user-controllable inputs, particularly those that appear in search parameters or form fields. The application must enforce strict input validation that filters out or encodes potentially dangerous characters such as angle brackets, script tags, and javascript protocols. Security measures should include the implementation of Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution contexts and prevent unauthorized code injection. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. The remediation process must address the root cause through proper code review practices, ensuring that all user inputs undergo sanitization before being processed or displayed. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious activities targeting this specific vulnerability, while maintaining updated security patches and conducting regular vulnerability assessments to prevent similar issues in future releases.