CVE-2009-0525 in sajax
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the sajax_get_common_js function in php/Sajax.php in Sajax 0.12 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the URL parameter, which is not properly handled when using browsers that do not URL-encode requests, such as Internet Explorer 6. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/28/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-0525 represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the Sajax 0.12 library's php/Sajax.php component. This security weakness specifically targets the sajax_get_common_js function which fails to properly sanitize URL parameters before incorporating them into web responses. The flaw exploits a fundamental weakness in input validation where user-supplied data enters the application without adequate sanitization or encoding mechanisms. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects environments where browsers do not automatically URL-encode requests, making Internet Explorer 6 a primary attack vector due to its specific handling of URL parameters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of user input within the Sajax library's JavaScript generation process. When the sajax_get_common_js function processes URL parameters, it directly incorporates these values into dynamically generated JavaScript code without appropriate HTML escaping or JavaScript encoding. This creates an injection point where malicious actors can craft specially formatted URLs containing script payloads that get executed in the context of legitimate users' browsers. The vulnerability's exploitation is contingent upon the target browser's handling of URL parameters, with Internet Explorer 6 being particularly susceptible due to its non-standard approach to URL encoding that bypasses typical security mechanisms.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to web applications utilizing the Sajax library for AJAX functionality. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary scripts in victims' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The impact extends beyond simple script execution as it can be used to establish persistent malicious presence within affected applications. The vulnerability's chaining potential with other web-based attacks makes it particularly dangerous in environments where users may have elevated privileges or access to sensitive data. Organizations using vulnerable versions of Sajax face risks of data compromise and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-0525 should focus on immediate remediation through library updates or patches provided by the Sajax maintainers. Organizations must implement proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent similar vulnerabilities in their applications. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection layers against XSS attacks by restricting script execution sources. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the vulnerable Sajax library across their infrastructure. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and follows ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script injection attacks. Regular security testing and application security reviews are essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in custom code implementations.