CVE-2007-5428 in UMI
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in UMI CMS allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the search_string parameter to the default URI in search_do/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2017
The CVE-2007-5428 vulnerability represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the UMI CMS content management system that exposes web applications to persistent client-side attacks. This vulnerability specifically targets the search functionality of the CMS, creating a pathway for remote attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The flaw exists in the handling of the search_string parameter within the search_do/ component of the default URI, where input validation and output sanitization mechanisms fail to properly neutralize malicious content. The vulnerability's exploitation potential stems from the CMS's insufficient filtering of user-supplied data before it is rendered in web page contexts, creating an environment where attacker-controlled scripts can execute within the victim's browser session.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability operates through the manipulation of the search_string parameter which flows directly into the application's output without proper sanitization. When a user submits a search query containing malicious script code, the CMS processes this input and embeds it into the search results page or related web content without adequate encoding or validation. This allows attackers to craft payloads that can execute in the context of other users' browsers, potentially stealing session cookies, performing unauthorized actions, or redirecting users to malicious sites. The vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in software applications, where improper handling of untrusted input leads to execution of malicious scripts in user browsers. The attack vector demonstrates a failure in the principle of least privilege and proper input validation, as the application accepts potentially dangerous content without proper sanitization.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-5428 extends beyond simple script injection to potentially enable more sophisticated attack scenarios within the context of web application security. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access through session hijacking, deface websites, or redirect users to phishing sites that can harvest credentials and sensitive information. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or insider knowledge to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous for public-facing web applications. The flaw can be systematically exploited through automated scanning tools that test common injection patterns, and once confirmed, can be weaponized to compromise user sessions and potentially escalate privileges within the CMS. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of web applications by allowing unauthorized code execution in user contexts, which aligns with the ATT&CK framework's technique T1566 for "Phishing" and T1059 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter" in the context of web-based attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5428 should prioritize immediate input validation and output encoding measures that prevent malicious scripts from being executed within the application's web interface. The most effective remediation involves implementing proper parameter sanitization for all user-supplied input, particularly in search functionality, and ensuring that all output is properly encoded according to the context in which it appears. Organizations should deploy web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious input patterns, implement Content Security Policy headers to restrict script execution, and conduct regular security testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in the application code. The fix should include comprehensive validation of the search_string parameter to reject potentially dangerous content and ensure that all output is properly escaped before being rendered in HTML contexts. Additionally, regular security updates and patches should be applied to the CMS to address known vulnerabilities, and security awareness training should be provided to developers to prevent similar flaws in future application development cycles.