CVE-2006-5512 in Online Shop
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in article.htm in Zwahlen Online Shop allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the cat parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/25/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-5512 represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the Zwahlen Online Shop web application, specifically affecting the article.htm component. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is one of the most prevalent and well-documented web application security weaknesses. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize user input received through the cat parameter, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary HTML or JavaScript code into web pages viewed by other users. The vulnerability exists in the server-side processing logic where input validation and output encoding mechanisms are insufficient or completely absent.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious payload containing script code and passes it through the cat parameter in the URL to the article.htm page. When the vulnerable application processes this input without proper sanitization, it incorporates the malicious code into the page's HTML response, which then executes in the browsers of unsuspecting users who visit the affected page. This creates a persistent threat where the injected scripts can perform actions such as stealing session cookies, redirecting users to malicious sites, defacing the website, or conducting more sophisticated attacks like credential harvesting. The vulnerability specifically targets the parameter handling mechanism of the online shop's article display functionality, making it particularly dangerous for e-commerce environments where user trust and session management are critical.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-5512 extends beyond simple data theft or defacement, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent footholds within the targeted web application. Users who browse the affected pages become unwitting participants in the attack chain, potentially exposing their session information, personal data, or even financial details if the application handles sensitive transactions. The vulnerability also poses significant risk to the application's integrity and user confidence, as compromised pages can be used to spread malware or phishing content to a broader user base. Additionally, this flaw can facilitate more advanced attacks such as session hijacking, where attackers gain unauthorized access to user accounts, or privilege escalation if the application's authentication mechanisms are also compromised. The attack surface is particularly concerning for online shops where users frequently interact with product listings and categories, making the cat parameter a high-value target for exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar issues. The primary solution involves implementing robust input validation and output encoding mechanisms that sanitize all user-provided data before it is processed or displayed. This includes employing proper HTML escaping techniques for all dynamic content, implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution, and utilizing parameterized queries or validated input filters. Organizations should also conduct regular security testing including dynamic application security testing and manual code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components. The remediation process should follow secure coding practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten and ISO/IEC 27001 standards, ensuring that all user inputs are treated as untrusted and properly validated before any processing occurs. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and monitoring mechanisms can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts, while regular security awareness training for development teams can reduce the likelihood of introducing similar vulnerabilities in future releases.