CVE-2008-6094 in Celoxis
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in user.do in Celoxis Technologies Celoxis allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the ni.smessage parameter.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/13/2024
The CVE-2008-6094 vulnerability represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the Celoxis project management platform developed by Celoxis Technologies. This vulnerability specifically targets the user.do servlet component where the ni.smessage parameter is processed without adequate input validation or output encoding. The flaw enables remote attackers to inject malicious web scripts or HTML content directly into the application's response, creating a persistent security risk for all users interacting with the vulnerable system. The vulnerability exists in the server-side parameter handling mechanism where user-supplied input is not properly sanitized before being rendered back to the browser, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code within the context of the victim's browser session.
This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is classified as a critical web application security weakness in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. The specific attack vector involves manipulation of the ni.smessage parameter through HTTP requests to the user.do endpoint, where the application fails to implement proper input filtering or output encoding measures. The flaw demonstrates poor secure coding practices and inadequate sanitization of user-provided data, creating an environment where malicious payloads can be executed in the browser context of authenticated users. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability could enable attackers to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users, or redirect victims to malicious websites, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where the Celoxis platform is used for collaborative project management.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-6094 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can facilitate more sophisticated attacks within the context of the target application. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to execute persistent XSS payloads that might include malicious JavaScript code designed to capture user credentials, monitor user activities, or manipulate application data. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical skill and can be automated, making it attractive to threat actors seeking to compromise user sessions or conduct broader reconnaissance activities within the target organization. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability affects a core user management component of the application, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges or gain access to sensitive project data. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for credential harvesting through phishing and T1059.007 for script execution within web browsers.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-6094 should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding measures throughout the application's data flow. Organizations should immediately implement proper parameter sanitization for all user-supplied input, particularly within the user.do servlet component where the ni.smessage parameter is processed. The recommended approach includes implementing strict input validation that filters out potentially malicious characters and content, combined with output encoding that ensures all user-provided data is properly escaped before being rendered in the browser. Additionally, security headers such as Content Security Policy should be implemented to provide additional protection against script execution. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests targeting this specific vulnerability. The remediation process should include thorough code review of all servlet components and parameter handling mechanisms to identify and address similar weaknesses throughout the application. Regular security testing including automated vulnerability scanning and manual penetration testing should be conducted to ensure that similar vulnerabilities are not present in other parts of the application. The fix should also involve implementing proper error handling that prevents sensitive information disclosure while maintaining application functionality.