CVE-2006-2729 in Photoalbum Bandw
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in superalbum/index.php in Photoalbum B&W 1.3 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the gal parameter. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/11/2017
This cross-site scripting vulnerability exists in the Photoalbum B&W 1.3 web application within the superalbum/index.php script where the gal parameter is not properly sanitized or validated. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious web script or HTML code through the gal parameter, which then gets executed in the context of other users' browsers when they view the affected page. This represents a classic reflected cross-site scripting vulnerability where user input flows directly into the web response without adequate output encoding or validation. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to implement proper input sanitization mechanisms for parameters received through HTTP requests, creating an attack surface where malicious payloads can be persisted and executed against unsuspecting users.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows standard XSS attack patterns where an attacker crafts a malicious URL containing script code within the gal parameter and delivers it to victims through social engineering tactics, phishing emails, or compromised websites. When a victim clicks the malicious link, the script executes in their browser session, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-79 which defines the weakness of insufficient output escaping or encoding in web applications, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through spearphishing attachments or links. The impact is significant as it allows attackers to impersonate legitimate users and perform actions within the application context, potentially compromising user data and application integrity.
The operational impact extends beyond simple script execution as this vulnerability enables attackers to establish persistent access patterns through session manipulation and credential harvesting. Users who view infected pages become unwitting participants in the attack chain, with their browser sessions potentially being compromised through cookie theft or full authentication bypass. The vulnerability affects the application's trust model and user security posture, as legitimate users cannot distinguish between safe and malicious content. Organizations deploying this application face potential regulatory compliance issues under standards such as pci dss and iso 27001 that mandate proper input validation and output encoding to prevent such security flaws. The attack vector is particularly concerning due to its reliance on user interaction through social engineering, making it difficult to detect and prevent through automated means alone.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application. The most effective approach involves sanitizing all user-supplied input, particularly the gal parameter, through strict validation and encoding before processing or rendering. Implementing a content security policy (CSP) header can provide additional defense-in-depth by restricting script execution sources. Regular security code reviews and automated vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other parameters or scripts. The application should be updated to newer versions that address this vulnerability, as the affected version appears to be outdated. Security awareness training for developers on secure coding practices and the importance of input validation helps prevent similar vulnerabilities in future development cycles. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious parameter patterns can provide early detection capabilities for exploitation attempts.