CVE-2005-4831 in viewcvs
Summary
by MITRE
viewcvs in ViewCVS 0.9.2 allows remote attackers to set the Content-Type header to arbitrary values via the content-type parameter, which can be leveraged for cross-site scripting (XSS) and other attacks, as demonstrated using (1) "text/html", or (2) "image/jpeg" with an image that is rendered as HTML by Internet Explorer, a different vulnerability than CVE-2004-1062. NOTE: it was later reported that 0.9.4 is also affected.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/16/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-4831 represents a critical security flaw in ViewCVS version 0.9.2 that enables remote attackers to manipulate HTTP Content-Type headers through a malicious content-type parameter. This vulnerability operates within the context of web-based version control systems where ViewCVS serves as a web interface for browsing cvs repositories. The flaw allows attackers to inject arbitrary Content-Type values, creating a dangerous attack surface that can be exploited for various malicious purposes including cross-site scripting and content injection attacks.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the viewcvs application's parameter handling. When users provide a content-type parameter, the system fails to properly sanitize or validate the input before incorporating it into HTTP response headers. This lack of proper validation creates a path where attackers can manipulate the Content-Type header to arbitrary values, effectively bypassing normal security controls. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited to manipulate how browsers interpret and render content, opening doors to sophisticated attack vectors.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-4831 extends beyond simple XSS attacks, as demonstrated by the specific exploitation techniques mentioned in the advisory. Attackers can leverage the vulnerability by setting Content-Type headers to values like "text/html" or "image/jpeg" with malicious payloads. The latter technique exploits a specific browser behavior where Internet Explorer renders image files as HTML when the Content-Type header is manipulated, creating a unique attack vector that differs from the more common XSS scenarios. This demonstrates the complexity of web application security where header manipulation can lead to unexpected rendering behaviors across different browser implementations. The vulnerability affects not just version 0.9.2 but also 0.9.4, indicating a persistent flaw in the application's input handling mechanisms that was not properly addressed in the subsequent release.
Security practitioners should recognize this vulnerability as a classic example of improper input validation that aligns with CWE-20, which covers "Improper Input Validation" in software security. The attack pattern follows common exploitation techniques documented in MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059 category of Command and Scripting Interpreter, as attackers can use this vulnerability to execute malicious code through manipulated content headers. Organizations running ViewCVS should implement immediate mitigations including input sanitization, header validation, and proper content type handling. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of thorough security testing for web applications, particularly those that dynamically generate HTTP headers based on user input. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other web applications that may be susceptible to header manipulation attacks.