CVE-2008-7271 in IDE
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in the Help Contents web application (aka the Help Server) in Eclipse IDE, possibly 3.3.2, allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via (1) the searchWord parameter to help/advanced/searchView.jsp or (2) the workingSet parameter in an add action to help/advanced/workingSetManager.jsp, a different issue than CVE-2010-4647.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/27/2025
The CVE-2008-7271 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in the Eclipse IDE's Help Contents web application, specifically affecting versions including 3.3.2. This vulnerability resides within the Help Server component that provides contextual assistance and documentation within the integrated development environment. The flaw manifests in two distinct attack vectors that exploit improper input validation mechanisms within the web application's servlet endpoints. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects the core help system that users frequently interact with during development activities, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking to compromise developer environments.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied input parameters within the Help Server's web interface. Attackers can exploit the first vector by manipulating the searchWord parameter in the help/advanced/searchView.jsp endpoint, while the second vector targets the workingSet parameter during add actions in help/advanced/workingSetManager.jsp. Both attack paths demonstrate the same fundamental flaw - the application fails to properly escape or validate user input before incorporating it into dynamically generated web content. This lack of input validation creates an environment where malicious scripts can be injected and executed within the context of a victim's browser session.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-7271 extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive development environments and data. When exploited, these vulnerabilities could allow attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the victim's browser, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or the execution of malicious payloads that could compromise the entire development environment. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise settings where developers may have access to sensitive source code, configuration files, and development resources. The attack surface is amplified by the fact that these help system components are frequently accessed during normal development workflows, increasing the likelihood of successful exploitation.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to CWE-79 - Cross-site Scripting and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 - Phishing via Service Provider - as attackers could craft malicious help content that would be executed when developers access the help system. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices that should be addressed through proper sanitization of all user-supplied data, implementation of Content Security Policies, and comprehensive security testing of web applications. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, output encoding, and web application firewalls to protect against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of security testing for all components of development tools, as the help system represents a potential entry point for attackers seeking to compromise development environments.
This vulnerability type underscores the broader challenge of securing integrated development environments where multiple components may be exposed to network-based attacks. The impact extends beyond individual user sessions to potentially compromise entire development workflows and sensitive project data. Security practitioners should consider implementing comprehensive monitoring for suspicious help system usage patterns and ensure that all Eclipse installations are updated to versions that address this vulnerability. The vulnerability serves as a reminder that even seemingly benign components like help systems can represent significant security risks when not properly secured against input validation flaws.