CVE-2007-3055 in Linker
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in index.php in Codelib Linker 2.0.4 and earlier allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the cat parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/30/2025
The CVE-2007-3055 vulnerability represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw in the Codelib Linker web application version 2.0.4 and earlier. This vulnerability resides within the index.php script where the cat parameter is processed without adequate input validation or output encoding, creating a security exposure that enables malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of affected users' browsers. The vulnerability type aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in web applications, and falls under the broader category of CWE-116, which encompasses improper encoding or escaping of output. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental weakness in the application's security architecture where user-supplied input flows directly into the application's output without proper sanitization mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL containing script code within the cat parameter, which is then processed by the vulnerable index.php script. When a victim accesses this specially crafted URL, the malicious script executes in the victim's browser context, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it affects the core application functionality, as the cat parameter likely represents a category or filter mechanism that users naturally interact with. This makes the attack vector both accessible and potentially widespread, as attackers can leverage legitimate application features to deliver malicious payloads.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations using Codelib Linker version 2.0.4 or earlier, as it allows attackers to compromise user sessions and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. The attack requires minimal technical expertise to execute, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may inadvertently click on malicious links. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including email phishing campaigns, compromised websites, or social engineering tactics that direct users to malicious URLs. The impact extends beyond immediate data theft to include potential long-term compromise of user accounts and system integrity. Organizations may also face regulatory and compliance implications if user data is compromised through such vulnerabilities, particularly in sectors governed by standards like pci dss or hipaa.
The recommended mitigation strategies include immediate patching of the application to version 2.0.5 or later, which presumably addresses this vulnerability through proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms. Organizations should also implement proper input sanitization techniques, including the use of allowlists for parameter values and comprehensive output encoding for all dynamic content. The implementation of content security policies and the use of web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection. Security teams should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of similar applications within their environment to identify potential similar flaws, as this vulnerability demonstrates common weaknesses in web application security practices that align with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for phishing attacks and T1071.001 for application layer protocols. Regular security testing including dynamic application security testing and static code analysis should be implemented to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future development cycles.