CVE-2007-2808 in gnatsweb
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in gnatsweb.pl in Gnatsweb 4.00 and Gnats 4.1.99 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the database parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/04/2019
The CVE-2007-2808 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in Gnatsweb 4.00 and Gnats 4.1.99 software systems, specifically within the gnatsweb.pl component. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security flaws identified in the industry. The vulnerability manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize user input received through the database parameter, creating an avenue for malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of other users' browsers. The flaw exists at the input validation and output encoding layer where the application processes user-supplied data without adequate sanitization mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers manipulate the database parameter in the gnatsweb.pl script to inject malicious payloads. When the application processes this unvalidated input and subsequently displays it in web pages without proper HTML encoding or script filtering, the injected code executes in the victim's browser context. This creates a persistent threat where malicious scripts can steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, perform actions on behalf of authenticated users, or deface web interfaces. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to leverage legitimate user sessions and potentially escalate privileges within the application's security model.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-2808 extends beyond simple data theft or defacement, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent access vectors within the affected systems. Organizations using vulnerable Gnatsweb installations face significant risks including unauthorized data access, session hijacking, and potential compromise of the entire bug tracking system. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including email links, web forms, or direct URL manipulation, making it difficult to fully mitigate without comprehensive input validation. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for scripting and T1566.001 for spearphishing via web links, demonstrating how attackers can leverage such flaws to establish footholds within network environments. The impact is particularly severe in enterprise environments where bug tracking systems serve as critical infrastructure components for software development and security monitoring.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation and output encoding mechanisms. Organizations must ensure that all user-supplied data, particularly parameters like database input, undergoes strict sanitization before being processed or displayed. This includes implementing proper HTML entity encoding, using parameterized queries, and applying content security policies to prevent script execution. The most effective remediation involves upgrading to patched versions of Gnatsweb, as the vulnerability has been addressed in subsequent releases through improved input validation and sanitization routines. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and regular security code reviews can help detect and prevent similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive penetration testing and vulnerability assessments to identify potential XSS vectors throughout their web applications, as this vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly minor input validation flaws can create significant security risks.