CVE-2008-3340 in JobSite
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in search_result.cfm in Jobbex JobSite allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the searchFor variable (possibly the opt parameter.)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/24/2017
The CVE-2008-3340 vulnerability represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the Jobbex JobSite web application, specifically affecting the search_result.cfm component. This vulnerability arises from inadequate input validation and output encoding practices within the web application's search functionality. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input parameters, particularly the searchFor variable which may also involve the opt parameter. Attackers can exploit this weakness by submitting malicious script code through these parameters, which then gets executed in the context of other users' browsers who view the affected search results page. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-79 as a failure to sanitize input data, making it a direct descendant of the well-known OWASP Top Ten vulnerability category for cross-site scripting attacks. This particular implementation allows attackers to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content that executes in the victim's browser, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further exploitation of the victim's browser session.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of HTTP request parameters that are processed by the search_result.cfm script. When a user performs a search operation, the application accepts the searchFor parameter and incorporates it directly into the HTML response without proper sanitization or encoding. The opt parameter may also be vulnerable, depending on how the application processes these inputs. The attack vector is typically achieved through a malicious payload embedded within the search query that, when rendered on the page, executes in the browser context of other users. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be leveraged to perform actions on behalf of authenticated users, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information or system compromise. The vulnerability exists due to the absence of proper input validation mechanisms and output encoding that would normally prevent malicious scripts from being executed in the browser context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the target environment. Once an attacker successfully injects malicious code through the search functionality, they can potentially steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or even perform actions that appear to originate from legitimate users within the application. The attack surface is particularly concerning because search functionality is typically a high-traffic component of web applications, meaning that a successful exploit could affect many users simultaneously. This vulnerability aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1566 for initial access through web application attacks, and can be leveraged for subsequent techniques such as credential access and privilege escalation. The impact is amplified when the application serves users with elevated privileges, as the injected scripts could potentially be used to escalate privileges or access restricted areas of the application.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-3340 should focus on implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the web application. The most effective approach involves sanitizing all user-supplied input parameters before they are processed or rendered in web pages, specifically addressing the searchFor and opt parameters in this case. Implementing proper output encoding techniques such as HTML entity encoding when displaying user content prevents malicious scripts from executing in the browser context. The application should also employ Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict script execution and prevent unauthorized code injection. Regular security testing including dynamic application security testing and manual code review should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application. Additionally, implementing a web application firewall (WAF) rule specifically targeting XSS patterns in search parameters can provide an additional layer of protection. The fix should align with security standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Application Security Verification Standard, particularly focusing on input validation and output encoding controls that prevent the execution of malicious code in web applications. Organizations should also consider implementing proper logging and monitoring of search parameters to detect potential exploitation attempts.