CVE-2006-3522 in MIMEsweeper for Web
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Clearswift MIMEsweeper for Web before 5.1.15 Hotfix allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the URL, which is reflected back in an error message when trying to access a blocked web site.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/21/2018
The CVE-2006-3522 vulnerability represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw in the Clearswift MIMEsweeper for Web security product, specifically affecting versions prior to 5.1.15 Hotfix. This vulnerability operates within the realm of web application security, where malicious actors can exploit the system's failure to properly sanitize user input before reflecting it back in error messages. The flaw exists in how the web interface handles URL parameters when users attempt to access blocked websites, creating an avenue for attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of other users' browsers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding within the MIMEsweeper's web interface components. When a user attempts to access a blocked website, the system generates an error message that includes the original URL parameter without proper sanitization or encoding. This creates a condition where attacker-controlled input flows directly into the web response, enabling script execution in the victim's browser context. The vulnerability is classified as a reflected XSS attack since the malicious script is reflected off the web server in response to the user's request, rather than being stored on the server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform various malicious activities within the context of authenticated users. Attackers could potentially steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or execute arbitrary commands on behalf of victims. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where the MIMEsweeper system likely serves as a security gateway, potentially allowing attackers to bypass security controls or escalate privileges within the organization's network perimeter. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-79, which describes improper neutralization of input during web page generation, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script injection.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-3522 should focus on immediate remediation through the installation of the 5.1.15 Hotfix release, which addresses the input validation deficiencies in the web interface. Organizations should also implement additional defensive measures including web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious script patterns, enhanced input validation at all user-facing interfaces, and regular security assessments of web applications. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be employed to detect anomalous traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input sanitization and output encoding practices, with recommendations aligning with industry standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST guidelines for secure web application development. Security teams should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar flaws in other web applications within their environment, as this type of vulnerability remains prevalent in many legacy systems and can provide attackers with persistent access to organizational networks.