CVE-2008-5266 in Java System Application Server
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in configuration/httpListenerEdit.jsf in the GlassFish 2 UR2 b04 webadmin interface in Sun Java System Application Server 9.1_01 build b09d-fcs and 9.1_02 build b04-fcs allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the name parameter, a different vector than CVE-2008-2751.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/04/2025
The CVE-2008-5266 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in the GlassFish 2 UR2 b04 web administration interface of Sun Java System Application Server 9.1_01 build b09d-fcs and 9.1_02 build b04-fcs. This vulnerability specifically affects the configuration/httpListenerEdit.jsf component within the webadmin interface, exposing the application server to potential malicious web script injection attacks. The flaw exists in the handling of user-supplied input through the name parameter, creating an avenue for remote attackers to execute arbitrary code within the context of a victim's browser session.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding within the jsf (JavaServer Faces) page that manages HTTP listener configurations. When administrators or users interact with the webadmin interface to edit HTTP listeners, the application fails to properly sanitize or encode the name parameter before rendering it back to the browser. This omission allows attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code or HTML content that gets executed in the victim's browser when the page is loaded, effectively bypassing the server-side security controls that should prevent such injection attacks. The vulnerability operates as a reflected XSS vector, where malicious input is immediately reflected back to the user without proper sanitization.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations using the affected GlassFish versions, as it can lead to complete compromise of administrative sessions and unauthorized access to critical server configuration data. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to steal administrative credentials, modify server configurations, inject malicious content into web pages, or redirect users to phishing sites. The impact extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to gain persistent access to the application server, potentially leading to broader system compromise and data breaches. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where administrative access to application servers is crucial for system management and security.
Security mitigations for CVE-2008-5266 should include immediate patching of the affected GlassFish versions to the latest available releases that address this specific XSS vulnerability. Organizations should also implement input validation controls at multiple layers, including web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious payloads targeting this specific parameter. The implementation of proper output encoding for all user-supplied data, particularly in JSF components, should be enforced throughout the application. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in administrative interface usage and parameter manipulation. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and corresponds to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script execution, highlighting the need for comprehensive web application security controls and input validation mechanisms to prevent such injection attacks.