CVE-2008-3353 in Lore
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in Pure Software Lore before 1.7.0 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors related to the (1) article comments feature and the (2) search log feature.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/30/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3353 represents a critical security flaw in Pure Software Lore version 1.6.0 and earlier, which exposes the application to multiple cross-site scripting attacks through two distinct attack vectors. This weakness falls under the category of CWE-79 Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, specifically manifesting as a web application vulnerability that allows attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability affects the application's ability to properly sanitize user input, creating opportunities for malicious actors to inject arbitrary HTML and JavaScript code that can be executed by unsuspecting users.
The first attack vector involves the article comments feature, where users can submit comments to articles within the application. This functionality creates an environment where user-provided content is displayed without proper sanitization, allowing attackers to embed malicious scripts that can steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. The second vector targets the search log feature, where application search queries are logged and potentially displayed, providing another avenue for attackers to inject malicious code that can persist and execute when other users view the search logs. Both vectors demonstrate the application's failure to implement proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or defacement, as it enables attackers to establish persistent footholds within the application environment. Through XSS exploitation, attackers can hijack user sessions, manipulate application data, and potentially escalate privileges within the application. The vulnerability's remote nature means attackers do not require physical access to the system, and the persistence of the attack through logged search queries and comments creates ongoing exposure. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, and T1566.002 for Phishing: Spearphishing Attachments, as it enables the delivery of malicious payloads through web-based vectors.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding across all user-facing features, particularly those involving comment systems and log displays. The application should employ context-appropriate encoding for all dynamic content, ensuring that user input is properly escaped before being rendered in web pages. Additionally, implementing a Content Security Policy (CSP) can provide an additional layer of protection against XSS attacks by restricting the sources from which scripts can be loaded. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other application components, while also implementing proper access controls to limit the impact of potential exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input sanitization and output encoding in web applications, as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten Project and the CWE guidelines for preventing cross-site scripting vulnerabilities.