CVE-2007-5000 in HTTP Server
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the (1) mod_imap module in the Apache HTTP Server 1.3.0 through 1.3.39 and 2.0.35 through 2.0.61 and the (2) mod_imagemap module in the Apache HTTP Server 2.2.0 through 2.2.6 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/01/2019
The CVE-2007-5000 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting multiple versions of the Apache HTTP Server, specifically within the mod_imap and mod_imagemap modules. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is a fundamental web application security weakness that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The affected versions span from Apache 1.3.0 through 1.3.39, 2.0.35 through 2.0.61, and 2.2.0 through 2.2.6, indicating a prolonged period of exposure across different major releases of the web server software. The vulnerability's presence in both mod_imap and mod_imagemap modules demonstrates how multiple Apache modules could be susceptible to similar injection flaws, particularly when handling user-provided data in web content generation.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding within the Apache modules responsible for processing image maps and directory listings. When these modules process user-supplied data for inclusion in web responses, they fail to properly sanitize or escape special characters that could be interpreted as HTML or JavaScript code. This oversight creates a pathway for attackers to inject malicious payloads through unspecified vectors, which typically involve manipulating parameters or input fields that are processed by these specific modules. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple script injection as it can be leveraged to execute arbitrary web scripts, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or defacement of web content.
Operationally, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations relying on Apache HTTP Server for web hosting services. Attackers could exploit the flaw to inject malicious scripts that would execute in the context of other users' browsers, potentially compromising user sessions and accessing sensitive information. The attack vector typically involves crafting specially formatted requests that pass through the vulnerable modules, where user input is processed without proper sanitization. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for Initial Access through Spearphishing Attachment, as attackers could use the XSS to deliver malicious payloads to unsuspecting users. The extended impact includes potential privilege escalation and lateral movement within networks where compromised users have access to sensitive resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5000 primarily focus on immediate software updates and configuration hardening. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to Apache versions that have patched this vulnerability, specifically moving beyond the affected releases mentioned in the CVE description. The remediation process involves applying security patches or upgrading to Apache 1.3.40, 2.0.62, or 2.2.7 and later versions where the XSS vulnerabilities in these modules have been addressed. Additionally, administrators should implement proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms at the application level, ensuring that any data processed by these modules undergoes rigorous sanitization before being included in web responses. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content security policies can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-79 emphasizes the need for comprehensive security testing including dynamic application security testing and input validation reviews to prevent similar issues in other modules or applications.