CVE-2007-5796 in ProxySG
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the management console in Blue Coat ProxySG before 4.2.6.1, and 5.x before 5.2.2.5, allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML by modifying the URL that is used for loading Certificate Revocation Lists.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/02/2025
The CVE-2007-5796 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in Blue Coat ProxySG management console software versions prior to 4.2.6.1 and 5.x versions before 5.2.2.5. This vulnerability specifically targets the certificate revocation list loading mechanism within the proxy server's administrative interface, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute malicious code through web script injection. The flaw resides in how the system handles URL parameters during the certificate revocation list retrieval process, allowing attackers to manipulate input fields that directly influence the web application's rendering behavior. This vulnerability operates under the CWE-79 classification as a cross-site scripting attack, where untrusted data flows into the web application's user interface without proper sanitization or encoding mechanisms. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it leverages the management console's legitimate functionality to deliver malicious payloads, making detection more challenging for security monitoring systems.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker modifies the URL used for loading certificate revocation lists, embedding malicious script code within the URL parameters. When the management console processes this malformed URL, it fails to properly sanitize or escape the input before rendering it in the browser context. This allows the injected script to execute within the victim's browser session, potentially compromising the administrative interface's security boundaries. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple script execution as it can enable session hijacking, data exfiltration, and privilege escalation within the administrative context. Attackers can leverage this flaw to perform actions such as modifying proxy configurations, accessing restricted administrative functions, or even gaining persistent access to the management console. The attack requires no special privileges or authentication to the system itself, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from any remote location.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-5796 is substantial for organizations relying on Blue Coat ProxySG appliances, as the management console serves as the primary interface for configuring and monitoring network security policies. Successful exploitation could lead to complete compromise of the proxy appliance, potentially allowing attackers to bypass network security controls, monitor traffic, and modify access policies. This vulnerability directly violates security principles outlined in the ATT&CK framework under the T1071.004 technique for application layer protocol tunneling and T1566 for credential harvesting through social engineering. Organizations using affected versions face risks of unauthorized access to sensitive network data, potential data breaches, and complete loss of proxy-based security controls. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to establish persistent backdoors within the network infrastructure, as the management console typically requires elevated privileges and has broad access to network traffic controls. The attack's stealth nature makes it particularly dangerous as legitimate administrative users may not immediately detect unauthorized modifications to proxy configurations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5796 primarily focus on immediate software updates to versions 4.2.6.1 or 5.2.2.5 where the vulnerability has been patched. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to the management console, ensuring that only authorized administrative users can reach the proxy appliance's administrative interface. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls to filter suspicious URL parameters, deploying strict input validation mechanisms, and conducting regular security assessments of proxy configurations. Network administrators should also establish monitoring procedures to detect unusual patterns in certificate revocation list requests and implement mandatory access controls for administrative functions. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and output encoding in web applications, aligning with security best practices from the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks. Organizations should also consider implementing multi-factor authentication for administrative access and establishing secure remote access protocols to reduce the attack surface for such vulnerabilities. Regular vulnerability assessments and security awareness training for administrative personnel can further mitigate risks associated with this and similar cross-site scripting vulnerabilities.