CVE-2006-2632 in ByteHoard
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Andrew Godwin ByteHoard 2.1 and earlier allows remote authenticated users to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via file descriptions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/27/2018
The CVE-2006-2632 vulnerability represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw in the Andrew Godwin ByteHoard 2.1 and earlier versions of the web-based file management system. This vulnerability specifically targets the application's handling of file descriptions, which are user-provided metadata fields associated with uploaded files. The flaw exists in the application's input validation and output encoding mechanisms, where user-supplied content in file descriptions is not properly sanitized before being rendered in web pages. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious script code within file description fields, which then executes in the context of other users' browsers when they view the affected files. The vulnerability affects authenticated users, meaning that an attacker must first establish a valid account within the system to exploit this weakness, though the impact remains significant as it allows for arbitrary code execution in victim browsers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of user input within the ByteHoard application's web interface. When users create or modify file descriptions, the system fails to adequately escape or filter special characters that could be interpreted as HTML or JavaScript code. This weakness directly maps to CWE-79, which describes cross-site scripting vulnerabilities where untrusted data is embedded into web pages without proper validation or encoding. The vulnerability operates at the application layer, specifically within the user interface components that render file metadata, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise user sessions or exfiltrate sensitive information. The authenticated nature of the attack means that exploitation requires legitimate user credentials, but once achieved, the attacker can leverage this weakness to execute malicious scripts against other users who view the compromised file descriptions.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-2632 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable more sophisticated attack vectors including session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration. When victims browse files with malicious descriptions, their browsers execute the injected scripts in the context of the ByteHoard application, potentially allowing attackers to steal cookies, session tokens, or other sensitive information. This vulnerability can be particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users collaborate on shared file systems, as a single compromised file description can affect all users who access the system. The attack could be amplified through social engineering techniques where attackers upload files with seemingly benign descriptions containing malicious payloads, making detection more challenging. Additionally, the vulnerability could be leveraged as part of broader attack chains within the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically under the initial access and execution categories where attackers establish footholds through web application vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-2632 should focus on implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the ByteHoard application. Organizations should immediately upgrade to ByteHoard versions that address this vulnerability, as the original affected versions lack proper security controls. The remediation process requires implementing strict sanitization of user inputs, particularly in metadata fields such as file descriptions, ensuring that all special characters are properly escaped before rendering in web contexts. Security measures should include the implementation of Content Security Policy headers to prevent unauthorized script execution, along with regular security assessments of web application components. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious input patterns, while establishing proper access controls and monitoring for unusual file upload activities. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of input validation and output encoding practices, which align with industry standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework guidelines for preventing web application vulnerabilities. Regular security training for developers on secure coding practices and the implementation of automated security testing tools can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future versions of the application.