CVE-2007-6569 in Java System Web Proxy Server
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the View Error Log functionality in Sun Java System Web Proxy Server 4.x before 4.0.6 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors, aka BugID 6566246.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2019
The CVE-2007-6569 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within Sun Java System Web Proxy Server version 4.x prior to 4.0.6, specifically affecting the View Error Log functionality. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security flaws. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the proxy server's error logging interface, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content into the server's error display functionality.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through unspecified attack vectors that likely involve manipulating error log entries or error message parameters that are subsequently rendered in the web interface without proper sanitization. When the proxy server processes error conditions and displays log information to users through the View Error Log functionality, it fails to adequately escape or encode special characters that could be interpreted as HTML or JavaScript code. This allows attackers to inject malicious payloads that execute in the context of other users' browsers when they view the error logs, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or other malicious activities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant within enterprise environments that rely on Sun Java System Web Proxy Server for network traffic management and security. Organizations using affected versions of the proxy server face potential exposure to persistent XSS attacks that could compromise user sessions and allow attackers to execute arbitrary code in the browsers of authenticated users. The vulnerability particularly affects environments where the proxy server handles sensitive traffic and maintains detailed error logs, as these logs become potential attack vectors for privilege escalation or data exfiltration. The bug ID 6566246 indicates this was a known issue within Oracle's internal tracking systems, suggesting the vulnerability had been identified and documented before its public disclosure.
Security professionals should implement multiple layers of mitigation for this vulnerability, beginning with immediate patching to version 4.0.6 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the XSS vulnerability. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional protection by monitoring and filtering traffic to and from the proxy server. Input validation should be enhanced at all points where user-supplied data is processed and displayed, particularly in error handling and logging components. Regular security assessments and code reviews focusing on output encoding practices should be implemented to prevent similar vulnerabilities in other components of the web infrastructure. Organizations should also consider implementing content security policies and monitoring for suspicious log entries that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input sanitization and output encoding in web applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1566 for initial access through web application attacks and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage in exploitation scenarios.