CVE-2006-3345 in AliPAGER
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in AliPAGER, possibly 1.5 and earlier, allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a chat line.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/30/2018
The CVE-2006-3345 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in AliPAGER software versions 1.5 and earlier. This vulnerability specifically affects the chat functionality within the application, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute malicious code through web scripts or HTML injection techniques. The flaw resides in the improper handling of user input within chat line parameters, where input validation and output encoding mechanisms fail to adequately sanitize data before processing.
This vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration CWE-79 category, which classifies it as a Cross-Site Scripting weakness. The technical implementation involves the application failing to properly escape or filter special characters in chat messages, allowing attackers to embed malicious scripts that execute in the context of other users' browsers. The attack vector specifically targets the chat line functionality, making it particularly dangerous in collaborative environments where multiple users interact through the platform. When a victim views a chat message containing malicious code, the script executes in their browser session, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further exploitation of the victim's system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities including stealing user sessions, redirecting victims to phishing sites, defacing the application interface, or even executing more sophisticated attacks through the compromised user sessions. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors can exploit this vulnerability from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the system. This makes the vulnerability particularly concerning for applications that facilitate real-time communication and collaboration, as the attack surface increases with each user interaction within the chat functionality. The vulnerability can also serve as a stepping stone for more advanced attacks, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges or access additional system resources through the compromised user sessions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-3345 should focus on implementing robust input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the chat functionality. Organizations should ensure that all user-provided data is properly sanitized before being processed or displayed, utilizing proper HTML escaping techniques and implementing Content Security Policy headers to prevent unauthorized script execution. The most effective remediation involves updating to patched versions of AliPAGER software, as the vulnerability was addressed in subsequent releases through improved input validation and output encoding controls. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and monitoring for unusual chat activity can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious script injection patterns, and conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of input validation and output encoding practices as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten security risks, particularly in web applications that process user-generated content.