CVE-2006-2257 in easyEvent
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in index.php in easyEvent 1.2 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the curr_year parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/26/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-2257 represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw in the easyEvent 1.2 web application, specifically within the index.php file. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category, which encompasses improper neutralization of input during web page generation, making it a fundamental web security weakness that has persisted across decades of web application development. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into dynamically generated web pages, creating an avenue for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code in the context of victim users' browsers.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the curr_year parameter, which serves as an entry point for attackers to inject malicious scripts. When a user visits a page with a crafted curr_year value, the application processes this parameter without adequate validation or sanitization, allowing attackers to embed HTML tags, javascript code, or other malicious content. This unfiltered input is then rendered in the browser context, potentially enabling session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The vulnerability specifically affects the index.php script, which likely handles calendar or event display functionality, making it a critical component for user interaction and data presentation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks within the context of the targeted web application. Attackers can exploit this flaw to steal user sessions, modify application behavior, or redirect users to phishing sites that appear legitimate. The vulnerability affects any user who interacts with the affected web application, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users access shared systems. From an attacker's perspective, this represents a low-effort, high-impact vector that requires minimal technical skill to exploit, as it does not require authentication or complex attack chains. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001, which covers credential access through social engineering, as the injected scripts can be designed to capture user credentials or session tokens.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-2257 must focus on implementing robust input validation and output encoding practices. The most effective approach involves sanitizing all user-supplied input through proper validation techniques, ensuring that the curr_year parameter only accepts expected data types and ranges. Implementing proper output encoding when rendering dynamic content prevents malicious scripts from executing even if injected input is somehow bypassed. Organizations should also consider implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution capabilities, though this represents a defense-in-depth measure rather than a primary fix. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, specifically addressing the need for proper data sanitization in web applications. Regular security updates and patch management practices are essential, as this vulnerability existed in a specific version of easyEvent and would be resolved through upgrading to a patched version. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block attempts to exploit this type of vulnerability, providing an additional layer of protection for systems running vulnerable software versions.