CVE-2006-3023 in Uphotogallery
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in thumbnails.asp in Uapplication Uphotogallery 1.1 and earlier allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) s and (2) block parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/29/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-3023 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Uphotogallery 1.1 web application, specifically affecting the thumbnails.asp component. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into dynamically generated web content. The flaw exists in the manner in which the application processes the s and block parameters, which are directly exposed to external input without proper security controls. This vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-79, which defines cross-site scripting as a weakness where untrusted data is embedded into web pages without proper validation or escaping mechanisms, making it susceptible to malicious code injection attacks. The security implications extend beyond simple data corruption as this vulnerability can be exploited to execute arbitrary scripts in the context of the victim's browser, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or further exploitation of the victim's system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers provide malicious input through the s and block parameters in the thumbnails.asp script. When the application processes these parameters without proper sanitization, it directly incorporates the user-supplied content into the generated HTML output. This creates an environment where attackers can inject malicious JavaScript code, HTML tags, or other harmful content that executes in the victim's browser when they view the affected page. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects parameters that are commonly used in web applications for navigation, filtering, and content display purposes, making it a prime target for exploitation. The attack vector is classified as a reflected XSS vulnerability since the malicious content is reflected back to the user through the application's response without being stored, making it difficult to detect and trace. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1566.001, which describes the technique of "Phishing for Information" through the exploitation of web application vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to user sessions and sensitive information.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-3023 extends beyond immediate security breaches to encompass potential long-term damage to the application's integrity and user trust. Successful exploitation can result in unauthorized access to user sessions, leading to data breaches, account takeovers, and the potential for further network infiltration. The vulnerability affects the web application's ability to maintain secure communication channels with its users, creating a persistent threat vector that can be leveraged by threat actors for extended periods. Organizations using Uphotogallery 1.1 are particularly vulnerable as the application's architecture does not implement proper input validation or output encoding mechanisms to prevent malicious content from being executed. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it affects core functionality parameters that are frequently accessed, increasing the attack surface and potential exposure time. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader application security posture assessment, as it indicates potential weaknesses in the application's overall input handling and security architecture. The vulnerability's age and the application's outdated status suggest that additional security controls may be necessary to protect against similar threats in modern web environments, particularly considering that many organizations continue to use legacy systems that may contain unpatched vulnerabilities.