CVE-2006-2109 in JSBoard
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the parse_query_str function in include/print.php in JSBoard 2.0.10 and 2.0.11, and possibly other versions before 2.0.12, allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via parameters that are set as global variables within the program, as demonstrated using the table parameter to login.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/06/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-2109 represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw that affects JSBoard versions 2.0.10 and 2.0.11, with potential impact extending to earlier versions before 2.0.12. This security weakness resides within the parse_query_str function located in the include/print.php file of the JSBoard application, demonstrating how improper input validation can create persistent security risks in web applications. The flaw specifically manifests when parameters are processed and set as global variables within the program's execution context, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the insecure handling of user-supplied input through the table parameter in the login.php script. When JSBoard processes query string parameters through its parse_query_str function, it fails to properly sanitize or escape the input values before incorporating them into the application's global variable scope. This creates an environment where attackers can manipulate the application's behavior by injecting malicious payloads that will execute in the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability operates under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, where the application fails to validate or sanitize user-provided data before including it in dynamically generated web pages. The flaw constitutes a Type 1 XSS vulnerability where the malicious script is stored on the server and executed when other users access the affected page.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it enables attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and redirection to malicious websites. When an attacker successfully injects malicious code through the table parameter, any user who accesses the vulnerable application could unknowingly execute the injected script, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information or complete compromise of user sessions. The vulnerability's persistence stems from the fact that the malicious input becomes part of the application's global state, meaning the script executes every time the affected page is loaded or accessed by authenticated users. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where the malicious payload could affect numerous users simultaneously.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and output encoding techniques to prevent malicious data from being processed as executable code. The primary solution involves sanitizing all user-supplied input parameters before they are processed by the parse_query_str function, ensuring that any potentially harmful characters or script tags are properly escaped or removed. Organizations should implement proper parameter validation that restricts input to expected data types and formats, particularly for parameters that are later used in HTML generation or global variable assignment. Additionally, the application should employ context-aware output encoding to prevent malicious scripts from executing when data is rendered in web pages. The fix should also include updating to JSBoard version 2.0.12 or later, as this represents the official patch that resolves the vulnerability. This remediation aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers the exploitation of web application vulnerabilities, specifically emphasizing the importance of proper input validation and sanitization to prevent injection attacks. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices as outlined in OWASP Top 10, particularly addressing the prevention of XSS vulnerabilities through proper data sanitization and validation mechanisms.