CVE-2007-4178 in WebDirector
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in index.php in WebDirector 2.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the deslocal parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-4178 represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the WebDirector content management system version 2.2 and earlier. This security weakness resides in the index.php script where user-supplied input through the deslocal parameter is not properly sanitized or validated before being rendered in web responses. The flaw enables remote attackers to inject malicious web scripts or HTML code that executes in the context of other users' browsers when they access the affected web page. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-79 which specifically addresses improper neutralization of input during web page generation, making it a well-documented and widely recognized security concern in web application development.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious payload containing script code and passes it through the deslocal parameter in the URL. When the WebDirector application processes this parameter without adequate input validation or output encoding, the injected code becomes part of the dynamic web page content. Upon subsequent page rendering for legitimate users, the malicious script executes in their browser context, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. This vulnerability aligns with the ATT&CK framework's technique T1531 which involves the use of malicious scripts to gain unauthorized access to systems and data. The flaw essentially creates a persistent vector for attackers to manipulate web page content and compromise user sessions through the exploitation of improper input handling.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-4178 extends beyond simple script injection as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities targeting end users of the WebDirector system. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to steal session cookies, redirect users to phishing sites, or inject malware delivery mechanisms that exploit browser vulnerabilities. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors do not require physical access to the system or network to exploit this weakness, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that serve multiple users. Organizations using affected WebDirector versions face significant risk of user data compromise and potential system infiltration, as the vulnerability can be exploited through simple web browser interactions without requiring specialized tools or advanced technical knowledge.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-4178 should focus on implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the WebDirector application. The primary defense involves sanitizing all user-supplied input parameters, particularly the deslocal parameter, through strict validation that rejects or removes potentially malicious content before processing. Implementing proper HTML encoding for all dynamic content ensures that any injected scripts are rendered harmless when displayed in web browsers. Organizations should also consider implementing Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to add an additional layer of protection against script execution. The most effective long-term solution requires upgrading to WebDirector versions that have addressed this vulnerability through proper input handling mechanisms. Security teams should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments and implement web application firewalls to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. According to industry best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST guidelines, this vulnerability should be prioritized for immediate remediation due to its classification as a high-severity issue that can lead to complete session compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information.