CVE-2008-3846 in mysql-lists
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in mysql-lists 1.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/08/2018
The CVE-2008-3846 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in mysql-lists version 1.2 and earlier installations. This vulnerability falls under the broader category of web application security weaknesses that have long been recognized as one of the most prevalent threats to web-based systems. The vulnerability enables remote attackers to execute malicious scripts within the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or unauthorized actions performed on behalf of victims. The mysql-lists application, which serves as a mailing list management system, becomes a vector for delivering malicious payloads to unsuspecting users who interact with the compromised interface.
The technical nature of this XSS vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding within the mysql-lists application code. Attackers can exploit unspecified vectors to inject malicious JavaScript code or HTML content into the application's response handling mechanisms. These unspecified vectors typically involve parameters or input fields that are not properly sanitized before being rendered back to users. The vulnerability manifests when user-supplied data flows through the application without adequate sanitization, allowing attackers to embed script tags or other malicious code that executes in the victim's browser context. This flaw aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities in web applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-3846 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can facilitate more sophisticated attacks within the target environment. An attacker could potentially steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, deface web pages, or perform actions that appear to originate from legitimate users. When considering the ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to multiple techniques including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter execution and T1566 for credential access through social engineering. The vulnerability particularly affects organizations using outdated mysql-lists installations, as the flaw existed in versions up to 1.2, and many organizations may have been running these legacy systems without proper patch management.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation of this vulnerability through comprehensive patch management procedures. The most effective mitigation involves upgrading to mysql-lists versions that address the XSS vulnerability, typically those beyond version 1.2. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms can serve as defensive measures even if the primary patch is delayed. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any other applications running outdated versions of mysql-lists or similar software that may present similar exposure risks. Network monitoring and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection by detecting and blocking suspicious script injection attempts, though these measures are considered remedial rather than primary fixes for the underlying vulnerability. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of maintaining current software versions and implementing robust security practices to prevent exploitation of known weaknesses in web applications.