CVE-2006-3265 in Qdig
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in index.php in Qdig before 1.2.9.3, when register_globals is enabled, allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) pre_gallery or (2) post_gallery parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/01/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-3265 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting the Qdig digital gallery application version 1.2.9.2 and earlier. This vulnerability specifically targets the index.php script within the application's core functionality and operates under the condition that PHP's register_globals directive is enabled. The flaw allows remote attackers to execute malicious scripts within the context of other users' browsers, creating a significant security risk for any web application utilizing this vulnerable software. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79 as a failure to sanitize user input, specifically in the context of web application security.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the pre_gallery and post_gallery parameters within the index.php script. When register_globals is enabled, PHP automatically creates global variables from request data, including GET and POST parameters. Attackers can craft malicious payloads containing HTML or JavaScript code within these parameters, which then get executed when the vulnerable application processes and displays the gallery content. This occurs because the application fails to properly sanitize or escape user-supplied input before incorporating it into dynamically generated web pages, creating a direct path for malicious code injection. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic improper input validation issue that violates secure coding principles and security standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, data exfiltration, and defacement of web content. An attacker could potentially steal session cookies from authenticated users, gain unauthorized access to administrative functions, or redirect users to malicious websites. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where register_globals is enabled, as it significantly reduces the attack surface required for exploitation. Organizations using Qdig in production environments would face potential compromise of user data and application integrity. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that can execute arbitrary commands on the victim's browser.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate upgrading to Qdig version 1.2.9.3 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the XSS flaws. Administrators should also disable the register_globals directive in their PHP configuration, as this setting inherently increases the risk of such vulnerabilities by automatically creating global variables from request data. Input validation and output sanitization measures should be implemented to ensure that all user-supplied data is properly escaped before being rendered in web pages. Security headers such as Content Security Policy should be configured to limit script execution capabilities and prevent unauthorized code injection. Additionally, regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other applications within the organization's infrastructure, aligning with the security best practices defined in NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 standards for secure application development.