CVE-2008-3886 in dotProject
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in index.php in dotProject 2.1.2 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via (1) the inactive parameter in a tasks action, (2) the date parameter in a calendar day_view action, (3) the callback parameter in a public calendar action, or (4) the type parameter in a ticketsmith action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/08/2018
The CVE-2008-3886 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in dotProject version 2.1.2 that exposes multiple attack vectors through unvalidated user input parameters. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, specifically targeting the web application's input validation mechanisms. The flaw exists in the index.php file which serves as the central entry point for various application functionalities including task management, calendar views, public calendar access, and ticket handling systems. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating specific parameters within the application's URL structure to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of other users' browsers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input across four distinct parameter fields. The inactive parameter in tasks action allows attackers to inject malicious code when processing task status changes, while the date parameter in calendar day_view action enables script injection during calendar rendering operations. The callback parameter in public calendar action presents another attack surface where external script references can be injected, and the type parameter in ticketsmith action permits malicious input that can compromise the ticket management interface. These parameters are directly incorporated into dynamic web content without proper HTML encoding or validation, creating persistent XSS opportunities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution to potentially enable sophisticated attack chains that can compromise user sessions and exfiltrate sensitive data. An attacker could craft malicious URLs that, when clicked by authenticated users, would execute scripts to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform unauthorized actions within the application. The vulnerability affects all users who interact with the affected application components, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where administrative privileges might be compromised. This type of vulnerability enables the exploitation of the principle of least privilege by allowing unauthenticated attackers to escalate their privileges through session hijacking or by gaining access to sensitive administrative functions.
Organizations using dotProject 2.1.2 should implement immediate mitigations including input validation at the application level, output encoding for all dynamic content, and the implementation of Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious web content, and T1071.001 for application layer protocol usage. Security measures should include regular input sanitization, parameterized queries, and comprehensive testing of all user-supplied data. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and output encoding practices as outlined in OWASP Top 10 A03:2021 - Injection vulnerabilities, where inadequate protection of application inputs leads to various forms of code injection attacks. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious URL patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.
The remediation process requires patching the application to version 2.1.3 or later where these vulnerabilities have been addressed through proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their dotProject installations to identify any similar vulnerabilities in other components or custom extensions. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing robust security practices in web application development. Additionally, comprehensive user education regarding suspicious links and the potential consequences of clicking unknown URLs remains essential in mitigating the risk of successful exploitation.