CVE-2006-4712 in Sage
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in Sage 1.3.6 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via JavaScript in a content:encoded element within an item element in an RSS feed, as demonstrated by four example content:encoded elements that use XMLHttpRequest to read arbitrary local files, aka "Cross Context Scripting."
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/04/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-4712 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in Sage version 1.3.6 that enables remote attackers to execute malicious web scripts and HTML content through manipulated RSS feed data. This security weakness specifically targets the content:encoded element within RSS feed items, creating a pathway for attackers to inject JavaScript code that can execute in the context of authenticated users' browsers. The vulnerability operates by leveraging the RSS feed parsing mechanism to capture and process malicious content that gets subsequently rendered in web interfaces, effectively bypassing traditional input validation measures.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of RSS feed content, particularly within the content:encoded elements that are commonly used to store rich text content in syndication feeds. Attackers can craft malicious RSS feeds containing JavaScript code within the content:encoded tags that exploit the application's failure to properly escape or validate input data. The demonstration of this vulnerability shows four distinct content:encoded elements that utilize XMLHttpRequest functionality to access and retrieve arbitrary local files from the server, indicating that the flaw extends beyond simple XSS to potentially enable local file inclusion attacks. This specific exploitation technique represents a sophisticated approach that leverages the browser's cross-origin resource sharing capabilities to access server-side resources.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-4712 is severe and multifaceted, as it allows attackers to execute arbitrary code within the context of users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, and privilege escalation. The vulnerability's classification as "Cross Context Scripting" indicates that it can operate across different security contexts, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may have elevated privileges or access to sensitive information. When exploited, this vulnerability can enable attackers to read local files that should otherwise remain protected, potentially exposing sensitive configuration data, user credentials, or application logic that could be used for further attacks. The implications extend beyond simple data theft to include potential system compromise and lateral movement within network environments.
Security practitioners should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent malicious content from being processed and rendered in web interfaces. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper sanitization of all user-supplied data, particularly in applications that process external feeds or data sources. Organizations should consider implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution and prevent unauthorized code injection. The implementation of proper feed validation and sanitization routines, combined with regular security assessments of feed processing components, can effectively mitigate this vulnerability. Additionally, following secure coding practices that align with CWE-79 (Cross-site Scripting) guidelines and implementing the principles outlined in the ATT&CK framework for web application attacks will help prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future. Regular updates and patch management of Sage applications are essential to address this and related vulnerabilities that may exist in older versions of the software.