CVE-2008-3367 in Web Wiz Rich Text Editor
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in RTE_popup_link.asp in Web Wiz Rich Text Editor (RTE) 3.x and 4.x before 4.03 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the email parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2017
The CVE-2008-3367 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Web Wiz Rich Text Editor software family, specifically affecting versions 3.x and 4.x prior to 4.03. This vulnerability resides in the RTE_popup_link.asp component which handles link creation and management functionality within the rich text editing interface. The flaw enables remote attackers to execute malicious scripts by manipulating the email parameter, thereby compromising the security of web applications that utilize this editor component. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities in web applications, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to exploit web application security weaknesses. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it allows adversaries to inject arbitrary web script or HTML content directly into the application's response, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, session hijacking, or further exploitation of the compromised system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding within the RTE_popup_link.asp script. When users interact with the rich text editor's link creation functionality, the email parameter is processed without proper sanitization of user-supplied input. This lack of input filtering creates an opportunity for attackers to embed malicious JavaScript code or HTML content that gets executed in the context of other users' browsers who view the affected pages. The vulnerability operates at the application layer where user input flows directly into the HTML output without appropriate encoding or validation mechanisms, making it susceptible to injection attacks that bypass standard security controls. The specific nature of the flaw allows attackers to craft payloads that can execute in the victim's browser context, potentially stealing session cookies, redirecting users to malicious sites, or performing unauthorized actions on behalf of the compromised user.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-3367 extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with a foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the compromised web environment. Successful exploitation can lead to session hijacking where attackers gain unauthorized access to user accounts, data theft through cookie harvesting, or the redirection of users to phishing sites that can capture sensitive information. The vulnerability affects web applications that rely on the Web Wiz Rich Text Editor for content management, potentially compromising entire websites if administrators have not updated to the patched version. Given that the vulnerability affects multiple versions of the software, organizations using legacy implementations face prolonged exposure to this threat. The attack can be particularly damaging in environments where users have administrative privileges, as the executed scripts could potentially be used to escalate privileges or access sensitive system resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-3367 require immediate attention from system administrators and security teams responsible for maintaining web applications that utilize the Web Wiz Rich Text Editor. The primary and most effective solution involves upgrading to version 4.03 or later, which includes proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms that prevent the injection of malicious content. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation at multiple layers of their application architecture, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly sanitized before being processed or displayed. Additionally, implementing proper output encoding for all dynamic content helps prevent script execution in browser contexts. The mitigation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which focuses on command and scripting interpreter execution, as attackers often leverage XSS vulnerabilities to execute malicious code through browser-based attack vectors. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls, content security policies, and regular security assessments to detect and prevent similar vulnerabilities in other components of their web infrastructure.