CVE-2007-4281 in Open Source
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in KnowledgeTree Open Source 3.4 and 3.4.1 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the login field on the login page, and other unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/24/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-4281 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the KnowledgeTree Open Source version 3.4 and 3.4.1 software implementations. This security weakness specifically targets the authentication mechanism of the application, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of affected user sessions. The vulnerability manifests through the login field on the login page, which serves as the primary entry point for attackers to exploit the XSS vulnerability. This particular vector demonstrates the dangerous nature of the flaw as it directly impacts the most fundamental security component of the application, potentially allowing unauthorized access to user sessions and sensitive information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the KnowledgeTree application's web interface. When users submit data through the login form, the application fails to properly sanitize or escape the input parameters before processing or displaying them. This absence of proper sanitization creates an environment where malicious payloads can be injected and subsequently executed in the browser of legitimate users who interact with the compromised system. The vulnerability extends beyond just the login field to encompass unspecified vectors, indicating that multiple entry points within the application may be susceptible to similar injection attacks. This broad scope suggests insufficient security controls across the application's input handling mechanisms, potentially affecting various user interface components and data processing functions.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-4281 extends far beyond simple script injection, as it can enable sophisticated attack vectors such as session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability can craft malicious payloads that redirect users to phishing sites, steal session cookies, or inject malicious content that modifies the application's behavior. The consequences for organizations using vulnerable versions of KnowledgeTree include potential unauthorized access to sensitive documents, compromise of user accounts, and possible data breaches. The vulnerability's remote nature means attackers do not require physical access to the system or network to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous for web-based applications. This weakness directly violates security principles outlined in the CWE-79 category, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for Initial Access through Spearphishing Attachments or Links, as the vulnerability enables attackers to deliver malicious content through compromised login mechanisms.
Organizations utilizing vulnerable KnowledgeTree versions should implement immediate mitigations to address this security flaw. The primary defense mechanism involves implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding across all user-facing application components, particularly those handling authentication data. This includes sanitizing all user inputs through proper escaping mechanisms before rendering any content in the browser context. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policy headers can provide an additional layer of protection against script injection attempts. The application should also enforce proper HTTP headers including X-Content-Type-Options and X-Frame-Options to prevent certain types of attacks. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components, as the presence of one XSS vulnerability often indicates potential weaknesses in input handling throughout the entire application architecture. Organizations must also consider upgrading to patched versions of KnowledgeTree or implementing web application firewalls as temporary mitigations while planning for proper system updates. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-79 emphasizes the importance of following secure coding practices and input validation standards to prevent such issues from occurring in future software implementations.