CVE-2008-2923 in List Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in read/search/results in Lyris ListManager 8.8, 8.95, and 9.3d allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the words parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/12/2019
The CVE-2008-2923 vulnerability represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw in Lyris ListManager versions 8.8, 8.95, and 9.3d that exposes the system to remote code execution through web script injection. This vulnerability specifically affects the read/search/results functionality of the application, where user input is not properly sanitized before being rendered back to the browser. The vulnerability occurs when the words parameter is processed without adequate validation or encoding, creating an opening for malicious actors to inject arbitrary HTML or JavaScript code. The affected parameter serves as an entry point for attackers to manipulate the application's search functionality and potentially compromise user sessions or steal sensitive information from unsuspecting users who interact with the vulnerable interface. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, where input data is not properly validated or escaped before being included in web pages. The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it enables attackers to perform session hijacking, deface web interfaces, or redirect users to malicious domains. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which describes the use of script-based attacks through web applications, and T1566 which encompasses social engineering via malicious web content. The attack vector requires minimal privileges and can be executed through standard web browser interactions, making it particularly dangerous for email list management systems that handle sensitive user communications. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of other users' browsers, potentially allowing them to access confidential data or perform unauthorized actions within the application. The vulnerability demonstrates a critical flaw in input validation practices within the Lyris ListManager application, where search parameters are directly incorporated into the response without proper sanitization. This weakness creates a persistent security risk that affects all users interacting with the vulnerable search functionality, particularly those who may inadvertently click on malicious links or content generated by the attacker. The vulnerability's exploitation requires no special privileges beyond normal user access to the application, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking to compromise user sessions or extract sensitive information from the email list management system. Organizations using these specific versions of Lyris ListManager face significant risk of unauthorized access and data breaches, as the vulnerability enables persistent attacks that can remain undetected for extended periods. The security implications are compounded by the fact that email list management systems often contain sensitive user data, including personal information, communication records, and potentially confidential business correspondence. Remediation efforts should focus on implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms, specifically ensuring that all user-supplied parameters are sanitized before being rendered in web responses. The vulnerability serves as a prime example of why web applications must implement comprehensive security controls including parameterized queries, proper HTML escaping, and input validation to prevent malicious code injection attacks. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems and implement web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious requests targeting the vulnerable search functionality. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning to identify similar weaknesses in legacy web applications that may not receive ongoing security updates.