CVE-2007-6571 in Java System Web Proxy Server
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Sun Java System Web Proxy Server 3.6 before SP11 on Windows allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors, aka BugID 6611356.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2019
The CVE-2007-6571 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in Sun Java System Web Proxy Server version 3.6 prior to SP11 on Windows platforms. 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 identified in the OWASP Top Ten. The vulnerability enables remote attackers to inject malicious web scripts or HTML content into the proxy server's responses, potentially compromising user sessions and data integrity. The specific BugID 6611356 indicates this was a documented issue within Oracle's bug tracking system, highlighting the severity and recognition of the flaw by the vendor. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning given that the Java System Web Proxy Server serves as a critical infrastructure component for web traffic management and security filtering.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding within the proxy server's response handling mechanisms. Attackers can exploit unspecified vectors to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of legitimate users' browsers when they interact with the affected proxy server. The vulnerability's exploitation typically involves crafting malicious HTTP requests or parameters that bypass the server's sanitization measures, allowing script code to be stored or directly executed in web responses. This weakness creates a persistent threat where attackers can manipulate user sessions, steal cookies, perform unauthorized actions, or redirect users to malicious sites. The Windows-specific nature of the vulnerability suggests that the implementation details may involve platform-specific code paths or library handling that failed to properly sanitize user inputs before rendering them in web contexts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable sophisticated attack chains that compromise entire web application infrastructures. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can potentially hijack user sessions, steal sensitive authentication tokens, perform actions on behalf of authenticated users, and access restricted resources within the network. The proxy server's role as an intermediary between clients and backend servers amplifies the damage potential, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to bypass security controls, access protected content, or manipulate traffic flows. Organizations using this vulnerable version of the proxy server face significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and compliance violations, particularly in environments where the proxy server handles sensitive user data or serves as a security gateway for enterprise networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-6571 should prioritize immediate patching with Sun Java System Web Proxy Server SP11 or later releases, which contain the necessary security fixes for the XSS vulnerability. Organizations should also implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms at multiple layers of their web infrastructure, including web application firewalls and security proxies. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect and prevent exploitation attempts, with security teams implementing regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing. The ATT&CK framework's T1566 technique for "Phishing with Social Engineering" and T1059 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter" may be relevant in understanding how attackers could leverage this vulnerability for broader compromise. Additionally, organizations should review their web application security practices, implement proper content security policies, and ensure that all web-facing components are regularly updated and maintained to prevent similar vulnerabilities from arising in the future.