CVE-2007-0563 in Web Security
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in Symantec Web Security (SWS) before 3.0.1.85 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors related to (1) error messages and (2) blocked page messages produced by SWS.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/09/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0563 represents a critical cross-site scripting weakness in Symantec Web Security software version 3.0.1.85 and earlier. This flaw exposes the security infrastructure to potential exploitation by malicious actors seeking to compromise web applications protected by the Symantec Web Security platform. The vulnerability specifically affects how the software handles error messages and blocked page notifications, creating attack vectors that could be leveraged to inject malicious scripts into user sessions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the Symantec Web Security software. When the system encounters error conditions or attempts to display blocked content, it fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into generated web responses. This insufficient sanitization allows attackers to craft malicious inputs that, when processed by the SWS software, get embedded directly into HTML responses sent to end users. The vulnerability manifests in two distinct attack vectors corresponding to error message handling and blocked page message generation, both of which represent common entry points for XSS exploitation in web applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-0563 extends beyond simple script injection, potentially enabling attackers to perform session hijacking, deface web applications, steal sensitive user credentials, or redirect victims to malicious websites. Since Symantec Web Security serves as a protective layer for web applications, exploitation of this vulnerability could allow attackers to bypass the very security controls intended to protect against malicious web traffic. The implications are particularly severe because the vulnerability exists within the core security infrastructure rather than in the applications being protected, potentially allowing attackers to undermine the security posture of entire organizations relying on the platform.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as a classic example of CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which is a fundamental weakness in web application security. The attack patterns align with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 - Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment, where attackers could leverage the XSS capability to deliver malicious payloads through compromised web security systems. Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including upgrading to Symantec Web Security version 3.0.1.85 or later, implementing additional input validation measures, and deploying web application firewalls to monitor for suspicious script injection attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper output encoding and input sanitization practices in security infrastructure software, as these controls are essential for maintaining the integrity of security systems themselves.