CVE-2007-6572 in Java System Web Proxy Server
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Sun Java System Web Server 6.1 before SP8 and 7.0 before Update 1 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors, aka BugID 6566204.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-6572 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting Sun Java System Web Server versions 6.1 prior to Service Pack 8 and 7.0 prior to Update 1. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting and specifically manifests as a remote code execution risk that enables attackers to inject malicious web scripts or HTML content into web applications. The flaw resides in the server's handling of unspecified input vectors, creating a pathway for malicious actors to compromise user sessions and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive data. The vulnerability was documented with BugID 6566204, indicating it was recognized and tracked by Sun Microsystems during the software development lifecycle.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the injection of malicious scripts or HTML content into web server responses, which are then executed in the context of legitimate user sessions. This type of attack leverages the web server's insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms, allowing attackers to bypass security controls that should prevent malicious content from being processed and displayed to end users. The unspecified vectors suggest that the flaw could potentially be triggered through multiple input points within the web server's processing pipeline, including but not limited to form submissions, URL parameters, or HTTP headers. Attackers could craft malicious payloads that would execute in the victim's browser, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further exploitation of the compromised environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, creating a significant risk to web application security and user privacy. When successfully exploited, the XSS vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code within the context of the victim's browser, potentially enabling them to steal session cookies, modify web page content, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. This represents a serious threat to web server integrity and user trust, as the vulnerability could be exploited to compromise entire user sessions and potentially provide attackers with persistent access to sensitive resources. The vulnerability affects organizations using legacy web server implementations, creating ongoing security risks for systems that have not received proper updates or patches.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigation strategies including applying the appropriate service packs and updates released by Sun Microsystems to address the identified XSS flaw. The recommended remediation approach involves upgrading to Sun Java System Web Server 6.1 SP8 or 7.0 Update 1, which contain the necessary security fixes to prevent the injection of malicious scripts. Additionally, organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms within their web applications to reduce the attack surface and prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection, while regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and address potential exploitation vectors. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining current security patches and following industry best practices for web application security as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.