CVE-2007-0595 in High5 Review Script
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in search in High 5 Review Site allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the q parameter (aka the search box).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/27/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0595 represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the High 5 Review Site web application, specifically affecting the search functionality. This issue resides in the handling of user input through the q parameter, which serves as the primary interface for search queries within the application's search box. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to inject malicious web scripts or HTML code directly into the search parameter, creating a persistent threat vector that can compromise user sessions and data integrity.
This XSS vulnerability operates through the application's failure to properly sanitize or encode user input before processing and displaying search results. When users enter search terms containing malicious code into the q parameter, the application does not adequately validate or escape the input, allowing the injected scripts to execute within the context of other users' browsers. The flaw falls under CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities in web applications, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.008 for command and scripting interpreter usage through web interfaces. The vulnerability demonstrates a critical weakness in input validation and output encoding practices that directly violates secure coding principles.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform session hijacking, steal user credentials, manipulate application data, and potentially redirect users to malicious websites. Attackers can craft search queries that, when executed by other users, execute malicious code in their browsers, potentially compromising sensitive information or establishing persistent access to the application. The threat is particularly concerning because search functionality is typically a core and frequently used feature, making the attack surface large and the potential for exploitation widespread. Users who perform searches or view search results could inadvertently execute malicious code, leading to unauthorized access to their accounts or personal data.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term prevention measures. The primary solution involves implementing robust input validation and output encoding mechanisms that sanitize all user-supplied data before processing. This includes applying proper HTML encoding to all dynamic content before rendering it in web pages, particularly within search results and other user-generated content areas. The application should also implement Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution and prevent unauthorized code injection. Additionally, developers should adopt secure coding practices that include parameterized queries, input length validation, and regular security testing. Organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring systems to detect and prevent exploitation attempts, while also ensuring that all web applications undergo comprehensive security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components.