CVE-2006-2473 in OpenWiki
Summary
by MITRE
** DISPUTED ** Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in ow.asp in OpenWiki 0.78 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the p parameter. NOTE: this issue has been disputed by the vendor and a third party who is affiliated with the product. The vendor states "You cannot insert code in a wikipage or via URL parameters as they are all escaped before usage, so nothing can be compromised at other sites."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-2473 pertains to a cross-site scripting flaw discovered in OpenWiki version 0.78, specifically within the ow.asp component. This represents a classic web application security weakness that could potentially allow malicious actors to execute unauthorized scripts in the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability manifests through the p parameter in the URL, which serves as an entry point for attackers to inject malicious web script or HTML content. The disputed nature of this CVE highlights the complexity often found in security assessments where vendor perspectives may differ from independent vulnerability researchers, creating confusion about the true scope and exploitability of the flaw.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding within the OpenWiki application's handling of user-supplied parameters. When the p parameter is processed by the ow.asp script, it fails to properly sanitize or escape the input data before rendering it in the web page context. This inadequate sanitization creates an environment where attacker-controlled content can be executed as legitimate JavaScript code within the victim's browser. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, where improper validation of input data leads to malicious script execution. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability could enable attackers to perform session hijacking, steal sensitive information, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users.
The disputed nature of this CVE as reported by the vendor and a third-party affiliate creates significant ambiguity regarding the actual exploitability of the vulnerability. The vendor's statement that "You cannot insert code in a wikipage or via URL parameters as they are all escaped before usage" suggests that proper input sanitization mechanisms should prevent the injection of malicious content. However, this assertion contradicts the original vulnerability report and indicates a potential disagreement about the effectiveness of the implemented security controls. The discrepancy may arise from different interpretations of how the parameter processing occurs or whether the escaping mechanisms are sufficient against all forms of injection attacks. This situation demonstrates the challenges in vulnerability assessment where vendors may have different perspectives on the actual risk posed by a reported flaw, potentially leading to confusion among users and security professionals about the true security posture of the affected system.
Security practitioners should approach this vulnerability with caution, recognizing that the disputed status does not necessarily invalidate the potential risk. The presence of any XSS vulnerability, regardless of vendor claims, warrants careful evaluation of the application's security controls and implementation of defensive measures. Organizations using OpenWiki 0.78 should conduct thorough testing to verify whether the vulnerability actually exists in their specific deployment, considering factors such as the exact implementation of input validation, the version of the software, and any custom modifications that may affect the security posture. The ATT&CK framework's T1531 technique for "Modify Application Configuration" could be relevant if attackers attempt to exploit this vulnerability to modify wiki configurations or gain unauthorized access to the system. Even in cases where vendors dispute vulnerability claims, implementing robust input validation, output encoding, and regular security assessments remains essential for maintaining application security and preventing potential exploitation through other vectors or attack methods that may not have been fully considered in the original dispute.