CVE-2007-5955 in UPDIR.NET
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in updir.php in UPDIR.NET before 2.04 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/27/2017
The CVE-2007-5955 vulnerability represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw in the UPDIR.NET web application, specifically within the updir.php component. This vulnerability exists in versions prior to 2.04 and enables remote attackers to execute malicious web scripts or HTML code within the context of affected systems. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter user-supplied data before it is rendered in web pages. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous as they can be exploited by attackers who craft malicious payloads that get executed when other users browse to affected pages. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description suggest that multiple input points within the updir.php script may be susceptible to this type of injection attack, making the vulnerability surface area broader than initially apparent.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-79, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in software applications. The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when user input is directly incorporated into web page output without proper encoding or sanitization. Attackers can leverage this weakness by submitting malicious scripts through various input fields or parameters that the updir.php script processes, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious websites. The impact extends beyond simple script execution as it can enable more sophisticated attacks such as persistent XSS where malicious code gets stored on the server and affects multiple users over time.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-5955 is significant for organizations using affected UPDIR.NET versions, as it creates a persistent security risk that can compromise user sessions and potentially lead to complete system compromise. When exploited, this vulnerability allows attackers to establish a foothold within the web application environment, potentially enabling further reconnaissance and lateral movement attacks. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that UPDIR.NET applications are often used for file management and directory browsing, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking to access sensitive data or establish persistent access points. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques such as T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566 for credential harvesting through social engineering.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of UPDIR.NET installations to version 2.04 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should also implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout their web applications, following secure coding practices such as those outlined in OWASP Top Ten and the CERT Secure Coding Standards. Additional defensive measures include implementing Content Security Policy headers, using web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious script injections, and conducting regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input sanitization and output encoding in preventing XSS attacks, which remain one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security threats according to industry security research and threat intelligence reports.