CVE-2008-0409 in HTTP File Server
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in HTTP File Server (HFS) before 2.2c allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the userinfo subcomponent of a URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/06/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0409 represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the HTTP File Server (HFS) software ecosystem. This issue affects versions prior to 2.2c and specifically targets the userinfo subcomponent of URLs, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of affected web applications. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the HFS server implementation, which fails to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into web responses.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers craft malicious URLs containing crafted script payloads within the userinfo portion of the URL structure. This particular attack vector demonstrates how insufficient validation of URL components can lead to code injection vulnerabilities, where user-provided information flows directly into HTTP responses without proper security controls. The userinfo subcomponent in URLs typically contains authentication information but in this case serves as an unintended injection point for malicious content. This flaw aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities where untrusted data is incorporated into web pages without proper validation or sanitization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform session hijacking, deface web applications, steal user credentials, or redirect victims to malicious sites. When exploited successfully, the XSS vulnerability allows attackers to establish persistent malicious presence within the affected web environment, potentially compromising user sessions and data integrity. The vulnerability affects organizations running vulnerable HFS versions and can result in significant security breaches if not addressed promptly. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it requires minimal privileges and can be executed through standard web browsing activities, making it a high-risk exposure for any organization utilizing the affected software.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability center around immediate software updates to version 2.2c or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the XSS flaw. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation controls and output encoding mechanisms to prevent similar issues in other applications. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring and filtering suspicious URL patterns. Security teams should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any other instances of similar flaws within their web application environments. The remediation process must include comprehensive testing to ensure that the patch does not introduce compatibility issues while effectively addressing the XSS vulnerability. Regular security updates and vulnerability management processes are essential to prevent exploitation of similar flaws in other software components. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper input validation and the potential consequences of inadequate security controls in web server implementations.