CVE-2007-4078 in Text Ads Enterprise
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in AlstraSoft Text Ads Enterprise allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) r parameter to (a) forgot_uid.php, the (2) query or (3) sk parameter to (b) search_results.php, or (4) the pageId parameter to (c) website_page.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/12/2022
The CVE-2007-4078 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in AlstraSoft Text Ads Enterprise version 3.0 and earlier. This vulnerability resides within the web application's input validation mechanisms, specifically affecting three distinct endpoints that handle user-supplied data without proper sanitization. The flaw enables remote attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or data manipulation. The affected parameters include r in forgot_uid.php, query and sk in search_results.php, and pageId in website_page.php, all of which process user input without adequate security controls.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding practices within the application's codebase. When users submit data through the identified parameters, the application fails to properly sanitize or escape the input before incorporating it into dynamic web content. This creates an environment where malicious payloads can be injected and subsequently executed by unsuspecting users who view the affected pages. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in web applications, and demonstrates poor adherence to secure coding practices as outlined in OWASP Top Ten. Attackers can craft malicious URLs containing script payloads that, when executed, can steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or manipulate application functionality.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-4078 extends beyond simple script injection, potentially compromising the entire web application's security posture. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to establish persistent access to user accounts, manipulate search results, or gain unauthorized access to administrative functions. The vulnerability affects the application's integrity and confidentiality, as it enables unauthorized data manipulation and potential information disclosure. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability provides a foothold for more sophisticated attacks, including privilege escalation and lateral movement within the application's ecosystem. The presence of multiple vulnerable endpoints increases the attack surface and provides several potential vectors for exploitation, making it particularly concerning for organizations relying on the affected text ads platform.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-4078 should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms across all user-supplied parameters. Organizations should apply immediate patches provided by AlstraSoft or implement proper parameter sanitization techniques that escape special characters before rendering user input in web pages. The solution must include strict validation of input data types, lengths, and formats, while also ensuring that all output is properly encoded for the context in which it appears. Security teams should implement Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution, conduct regular security code reviews, and establish proper input sanitization libraries. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of following established security frameworks such as the OWASP Secure Coding Practices and ATT&CK framework's web application attack patterns, particularly those related to command injection and script execution. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring systems to detect and prevent exploitation attempts, while ensuring that all application components are regularly updated to address known vulnerabilities.