CVE-2005-4513 in e-SEARCH
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in WANDSOFT e-SEARCH allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified search parameters, possibly the keywords parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/05/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-4513 represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the WANDSOFT e-SEARCH web application, classified under CWE-79 which specifically addresses improper neutralization of input during web page generation. This vulnerability exists in the search functionality of the application where user-supplied input is not adequately sanitized before being processed and returned to web browsers. The flaw manifests when attackers exploit unspecified search parameters, with particular emphasis on the keywords parameter, allowing them to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability's classification as remote indicates that attackers can exploit this weakness without requiring physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous in web environments where applications are accessible over networks.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize user input within the search functionality. When users enter search terms, particularly through the keywords parameter, the application fails to implement proper input filtering mechanisms that would prevent malicious script code from being embedded within the search queries. This lack of input sanitization creates a pathway for attackers to inject HTML tags, javascript code, or other malicious payloads that will execute when other users view the search results or interact with the application's response. The vulnerability's exploitation potential extends to various attack vectors including session hijacking, credential theft, and redirection to malicious websites, all of which can severely compromise user security and application integrity.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or defacement, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent access to user sessions and potentially escalate privileges within the application's security boundaries. Users who interact with search results containing malicious scripts may unknowingly execute code that can capture their session cookies, redirect them to phishing sites, or perform unauthorized actions on their behalf. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that search functionality is often a core component of web applications, making this vulnerability potentially widespread in scope. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques such as T1059.007 for scripting and T1531 for credential access, as attackers can leverage the XSS to harvest session tokens and gain unauthorized access to user accounts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-4513 must focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the application's search functionality. Organizations should deploy proper HTML escaping and encoding for all user-supplied input before rendering it in web pages, ensuring that any potentially malicious script code is neutralized before execution. The implementation of Content Security Policy (CSP) headers can provide an additional layer of protection by restricting the sources from which scripts can be executed within the application's context. Regular security testing including dynamic application security testing and manual penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. Additionally, the application should implement proper error handling that prevents the exposure of internal system information through error messages that could aid attackers in further exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation as fundamental defense mechanisms against web-based attacks, aligning with industry best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.