CVE-2006-2515 in Guest Book
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in index.php in Hiox Guestbook 3.1 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the input forms for signing the guestbook.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2017
The CVE-2006-2515 vulnerability represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw in the Hiox Guestbook 3.1 web application that exposes users to significant security risks through improper input validation. This vulnerability exists within the index.php file where user input is processed through guestbook signing forms without adequate sanitization or encoding mechanisms. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious scripts or HTML content directly into the guestbook entries, creating a persistent vector for exploitation that can affect all users who view the compromised entries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied data before rendering it within the web page context. When users submit entries through the guestbook forms, the application accepts the input directly without implementing proper output encoding or input validation measures. This creates an environment where attackers can embed malicious javascript code or html tags within the guestbook entries, which then execute in the browsers of other visitors who view these entries. The vulnerability specifically targets the input handling mechanism in the signing forms, making it particularly dangerous as it operates at the point where user interaction is processed and stored.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and redirection to malicious websites. When a victim views a guestbook entry containing malicious code, the script executes in their browser context, potentially allowing attackers to steal session cookies, redirect users to phishing sites, or perform actions on behalf of the victim. This vulnerability essentially transforms the guestbook into a persistent attack vector that can compromise multiple users over time, as each compromised entry continues to serve as a delivery mechanism for malicious code. The long-term nature of this vulnerability means that once exploited, the damage can persist indefinitely until the malicious content is removed from the guestbook.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as a direct violation of established web security principles and standards including those outlined in the CWE (Common Weakness Enumeration) catalog under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-site Scripting flaws. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK framework techniques related to command and control through web-based exploitation, particularly under the T1059.007 sub-technique for scripting. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and output encoding mechanisms, proper sanitization of user-supplied content, and regular security assessments of web applications. The most effective remediation involves implementing proper HTML escaping for all user-generated content before rendering it in web pages, ensuring that any script tags or executable code are neutralized before display. Additionally, application developers should adopt secure coding practices that prevent the direct injection of user input into web page contexts, implementing proper content security policies and input validation frameworks to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in future versions of the application.