CVE-2006-6509 in SiteKiosk
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the skinning feature in SiteKiosk before 6.5.150 allows local users to bypass security protections and inject arbitrary web script or HTML via an ABOUT: URI, which is displayed in the title bar of the browser.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2019
The CVE-2006-6509 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the skinning functionality of SiteKiosk software versions prior to 6.5.150. This vulnerability specifically targets the browser title bar rendering mechanism where ABOUT: URIs are processed, creating an attack vector that allows local users to execute malicious scripts in the context of the browser environment. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental failure in input validation and output sanitization within the application's skinning subsystem, where user-provided content is not properly escaped or filtered before being rendered in the browser interface.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the skinning feature's handling of ABOUT: URIs, which are typically used for browser-specific functionality and navigation. When these URIs are processed and displayed in the browser's title bar without proper sanitization, they create an opening for malicious script injection. This vulnerability operates at the intersection of web application security and browser rendering, where the application's skinning engine fails to properly distinguish between legitimate user interface elements and potentially malicious script content. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79 as a Cross-Site Scripting weakness, specifically demonstrating the dangerous combination of improper input handling and output rendering that enables arbitrary code execution within the browser context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as local users with access to the SiteKiosk system can bypass established security protections and potentially escalate privileges. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it targets the browser's title bar, a component that users typically trust as part of the legitimate application interface. This creates a scenario where malicious scripts could execute with the privileges and permissions of the SiteKiosk application, potentially leading to full system compromise or data exfiltration. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Scripting and T1566.001 for Phishing, as it enables attackers to craft malicious content that appears legitimate within the browser interface.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of SiteKiosk installations to version 6.5.150 or later, where the security flaw has been addressed through proper input validation and output sanitization of URI content. Organizations should implement comprehensive input filtering mechanisms that specifically target URI schemes and prevent the execution of potentially malicious content in the title bar rendering context. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit local user access to the SiteKiosk environment, while regular security audits should verify that all skinning features properly sanitize user input before rendering. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual URI patterns in browser title bar content, providing early warning of potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper input validation in web application security, particularly within browser interfaces where user trust and application integrity intersect.