CVE-2007-5982 in X7 Chat
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in X7 Chat 2.0.4, 2.0.5, and possibly other versions allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) room parameter to sources/frame.php, the (2) theme_c parameter to help/index.php, or the (3) INSTALL_X7CHATVERSION parameter to upgradev1.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/17/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5982 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting X7 Chat versions 2.0.4, 2.0.5, and potentially other iterations. This security weakness manifests through three distinct attack vectors that collectively enable remote adversaries to inject malicious web scripts or HTML content into the application's web interface. The vulnerability resides in the input validation mechanisms of the chat application, specifically within the handling of user-supplied parameters in three different PHP files that form part of the application's core functionality.
The technical exploitation occurs through three primary pathways that demonstrate poor input sanitization practices. The first vector targets the room parameter within sources/frame.php, where unfiltered user input allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of other users' browsers. The second vulnerability appears in help/index.php through the theme_c parameter, while the third weakness exists in upgradev1.php where the INSTALL_X7CHATVERSION parameter lacks proper validation. These flaws directly correlate to CWE-79, which defines cross-site scripting as the insertion of malicious code into web applications, making them susceptible to various attacks including session hijacking, data theft, and user impersonation. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple script injection as it provides attackers with the capability to manipulate the application's behavior and potentially compromise user sessions.
The operational consequences of this vulnerability are severe and multifaceted, particularly within collaborative environments where X7 Chat serves as a communication platform. Attackers can leverage these XSS flaws to execute malicious scripts that harvest user credentials, redirect victims to phishing sites, or modify chat content to spread misinformation. The persistent nature of these vulnerabilities means that any user accessing the affected application could be compromised, creating a widespread security risk across all chat participants. Given that X7 Chat typically operates in environments where users share sensitive information, the potential for data exfiltration and unauthorized access escalates significantly. The attack vectors also align with ATT&CK technique T1566, which describes social engineering tactics that exploit web application vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to systems. The presence of these flaws in upgrade and help files suggests that attackers could potentially compromise the application's integrity during routine maintenance operations or user assistance interactions.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of comprehensive input validation and output encoding measures. The most effective approach involves sanitizing all user-supplied parameters through strict validation routines that reject or escape potentially malicious content before processing. Organizations should implement Content Security Policy headers to prevent unauthorized script execution and ensure that all parameters passed to vulnerable files undergo rigorous sanitization. The application should employ proper HTML escaping mechanisms for all dynamic content and implement a robust input filtering system that prevents the execution of script tags or other potentially harmful constructs. Additionally, regular security audits should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components, and all system administrators should be trained to recognize and respond to XSS attack patterns. The remediation process should include updating to patched versions of X7 Chat, implementing web application firewalls, and establishing monitoring procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts. Without immediate corrective action, these vulnerabilities create persistent entry points for attackers seeking to compromise user sessions and access sensitive communication data within the affected chat environment.