CVE-2007-5280 in AppFuse
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in messages.jsp in AppFuse before 2.0 Final allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified input that is recorded in (1) success or (2) error messages.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/10/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-5280 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the AppFuse web application framework prior to its 2.0 Final release. This vulnerability specifically affects the messages.jsp component which handles the display of system messages to users. The flaw arises from insufficient input validation and output sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before it is rendered in web pages. The vulnerability manifests when user input is recorded in either success or error message contexts, creating an attack surface where malicious actors can inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is classified as one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security flaws in the CWE database. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it allows remote code execution through web browser exploitation without requiring authentication or privileged access to the application's backend systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize user input that flows through the message handling system. When users submit data that triggers either success or error conditions, the framework stores this input in message variables without adequate HTML escaping or context-appropriate encoding. This creates an environment where malicious payloads can be stored and subsequently executed when the messages.jsp page renders these stored values. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages the application's legitimate message handling functionality as an attack vector, making it difficult to detect through traditional security monitoring. Attackers can craft malicious input that, when processed and displayed in error or success messages, executes scripts in the victim's browser context. The impact extends beyond simple script execution to potentially enable session hijacking, data theft, or redirection to malicious sites. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1531 which covers "Use of Web Shell" and T1211 which addresses "Exploitation for Defense Evasion", as attackers can use such XSS flaws to establish persistent access or evade security controls.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-5280 is significant for any organization using AppFuse versions prior to 2.0 Final, as it provides attackers with a straightforward path to compromise user sessions and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive data. The vulnerability can be exploited across multiple user sessions, making it particularly dangerous for applications handling sensitive information or user credentials. Organizations may experience unauthorized data access, session theft, and potential privilege escalation if the application handles administrative functions. The vulnerability's persistence is enhanced by the fact that malicious scripts can remain active in the stored messages until they are explicitly removed or the application is updated. Security teams face challenges in detecting this vulnerability because it exploits legitimate application functionality, making it difficult to distinguish between normal user behavior and malicious activity. The remediation process requires comprehensive input validation, output encoding, and proper message handling procedures to prevent data from being stored and executed as code. Organizations should implement secure coding practices that align with OWASP Top Ten security guidelines and ensure all user inputs are properly sanitized before being processed or displayed. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and timely patch management to prevent exploitation of known flaws in web application frameworks.