CVE-2007-0176 in GForge
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in search/advanced_search.php in GForge 4.5.11 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the words parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/08/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0176 represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the GForge 4.5.11 web application platform. This issue specifically affects the search/advanced_search.php component where user input is not properly sanitized or validated before being rendered back to the browser. The vulnerability manifests when attackers manipulate the words parameter to inject malicious scripts that can execute within the context of other users' browsers, creating a persistent security risk for the entire application ecosystem.
This XSS vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which categorizes improper neutralization of input during web page generation as a critical web application security weakness. The flaw operates by allowing unfiltered user input to be directly embedded into web responses without appropriate encoding or sanitization measures. When legitimate users view search results containing the malicious payload, their browsers execute the injected scripts, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or unauthorized actions performed on behalf of authenticated users. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it leverages the application's legitimate search functionality to deliver malicious content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it enables attackers to manipulate the application's behavior and compromise user sessions. An attacker could craft payloads that steal cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or even modify application data through carefully constructed XSS payloads. The vulnerability affects all users of the GForge platform who have access to the search functionality, making it a widespread concern for organizations relying on this version of the software. Additionally, the persistence of the vulnerability across multiple user sessions means that once exploited, the malicious scripts can continue to affect users until the application is patched or the input is properly sanitized.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must focus on implementing robust input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application. The primary defense involves sanitizing all user-supplied input before it is processed or displayed, particularly in search parameters and other dynamic content areas. Organizations should implement proper HTML encoding for all output generated from user input, ensuring that special characters are properly escaped to prevent script execution. The recommended approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 which emphasizes the importance of preventing command injection and script execution through proper input validation. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policy headers and using modern web application frameworks that automatically handle XSS protection can provide additional layers of defense against similar vulnerabilities in the future.