CVE-2008-0146 in W3-mSQL
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the error page in W3-mSQL allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the PATH_INFO to the top-level URI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2024
The CVE-2008-0146 vulnerability represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw in the W3-mSQL web application server's error handling mechanism. This vulnerability specifically targets the error page implementation that processes the PATH_INFO parameter from HTTP requests directed to the top-level URI of the application. The flaw occurs when the web server fails to properly sanitize or escape user-supplied input data that flows directly into the error page output, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary HTML or JavaScript code. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages the standard PATH_INFO parameter that web servers commonly use to pass additional path information to applications, making it a subtle yet effective attack vector.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from improper input validation and output encoding practices within the W3-mSQL error handling subsystem. When a malformed request is received by the server, the error page routine processes the PATH_INFO parameter without adequate sanitization, allowing malicious payloads to be rendered in the browser context of unsuspecting users. This creates a persistent threat where attackers can craft specially formatted URLs that, when accessed, execute malicious scripts in the victim's browser. The vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious web content. The attack typically involves crafting a URL containing malicious script code within the PATH_INFO parameter that gets executed when the error page renders.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable sophisticated attack chains including session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration. When exploited, attackers can steal user sessions, modify web page content, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where W3-mSQL serves sensitive applications or handles user authentication, as it could lead to complete compromise of user accounts and application integrity. The attack surface is broad since any application using W3-mSQL and exposing its error pages to untrusted input is potentially vulnerable, making this a widespread concern for organizations maintaining legacy web applications. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor security hygiene in the application's input processing pipeline, where the principle of least privilege and proper data sanitization are not adequately enforced.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-0146 require immediate implementation of input validation and output encoding measures across all web application components that process user-supplied data. Organizations should implement proper HTML escaping routines for all dynamic content rendered in error pages and other user-facing interfaces, ensuring that special characters are properly encoded before display. The most effective remediation involves updating the W3-mSQL application to a patched version that properly sanitizes PATH_INFO parameters and other input sources, while also implementing comprehensive input validation at multiple layers of the application architecture. Security teams should also consider implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution capabilities, and establish regular security testing procedures including automated vulnerability scanning and manual penetration testing to identify similar input validation flaws. Additionally, application developers should follow secure coding practices that emphasize proper data sanitization and validation, particularly for parameters that flow directly into dynamic content generation, aligning with industry standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework guidelines for web application security.