CVE-2006-0149 in SimpBook
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in SimpBook 1.0, with html_enable on (the default), allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the message field.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/03/2025
The CVE-2006-0149 vulnerability represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw in the SimpBook 1.0 web application where the html_enable feature is configured to operate in its default state. This configuration creates a dangerous environment where user input is not properly sanitized before being rendered back to other users, establishing a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts within the context of affected user sessions. The vulnerability specifically targets the message field input parameter, which serves as the primary attack vector for injecting malicious content that can persist and propagate through the application's user interface.
This security weakness falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is one of the most prevalent and well-documented web application vulnerabilities in cybersecurity. The flaw operates by allowing attackers to submit HTML content through the message field that gets stored and subsequently displayed without proper sanitization or encoding mechanisms. When other users view the affected content, their browsers execute the injected scripts, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious websites. The default configuration of html_enable being enabled creates an inherent risk that system administrators must actively address through configuration changes or input validation measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it enables attackers to manipulate the application's user interface and potentially compromise user sessions. An attacker could craft malicious payloads that steal cookies, redirect users to phishing sites, or even modify the application's behavior for other users. The persistent nature of stored XSS attacks means that once the malicious content is injected, it remains active until manually removed, creating ongoing exposure for all users who encounter the compromised content. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and output encoding in web application security, as it exploits the fundamental principle that user-supplied data should never be trusted without proper sanitization.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-0149 should focus on implementing robust input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent the execution of unauthorized scripts. Organizations should disable the html_enable feature when it is not required, or implement comprehensive sanitization of all user input before storage and display. The application should employ proper HTML encoding for all dynamic content and implement Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution capabilities. Additionally, regular security audits and input validation testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1531 for Establishing Persistence and T1059 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, highlighting the potential for attackers to leverage such flaws for broader system compromise and persistent access within affected environments.