CVE-2007-5948 in SF-Shoutbox
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in main.php in SF-Shoutbox 1.2.1 through 1.4 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) nick (aka Name) and (2) shout (aka Shout) parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/02/2017
The CVE-2007-5948 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting the SF-Shoutbox web application version 1.2.1 through 1.4. This vulnerability resides in the main.php script and specifically targets two input parameters that are not properly sanitized before being rendered in web pages. The flaw allows remote attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of victims' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or unauthorized actions performed on behalf of users. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects core functionality parameters that are commonly used in web applications, making it a prime target for exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding practices within the SF-Shoutbox application. When users submit nicknames or shout messages through the web interface, the application fails to properly sanitize these inputs before storing and displaying them. This lack of proper sanitization creates an environment where malicious actors can inject HTML tags and JavaScript code directly into the application's output. The vulnerability is classified as CWE-79 - Cross-site Scripting, which is one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security flaws according to the CWE database. The specific parameters affected are the nick (Name) and shout (Shout) fields, which are fundamental to the shoutbox functionality and are processed without adequate security measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, creating significant risks for both end users and application administrators. Attackers can exploit this flaw to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious websites, or perform actions within the application that users did not intend. The vulnerability affects any user who views the shoutbox content, making it a persistent threat that can compromise multiple users simultaneously. From an attacker's perspective, the vulnerability provides a straightforward path to establish persistent presence within the application environment. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 - Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment, where attackers can use the XSS vulnerability to deliver malicious payloads through seemingly legitimate user interactions.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention from system administrators and developers. The primary fix involves implementing proper input sanitization and output encoding for all user-supplied data, particularly in the nick and shout parameters. The application should employ strict validation to reject or escape potentially malicious content before storing or displaying it. Additionally, developers should implement Content Security Policy headers to prevent unauthorized script execution, and consider using secure coding practices such as input whitelisting and proper HTML encoding. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and code reviews, as it demonstrates how simple input handling flaws can create significant security risks. Organizations should implement automated security scanning tools and maintain up-to-date security patches to prevent similar vulnerabilities from persisting in their systems. The remediation process should include thorough testing to ensure that the fixes do not break existing functionality while effectively neutralizing the XSS attack vectors.