CVE-2009-2033 in Yogurt
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in index.php in Yogurt 0.3 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the msg parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2033 represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the Yogurt 0.3 web application framework. This security weakness exists in the index.php file where user input is not properly sanitized before being rendered back to users. The vulnerability specifically affects the msg parameter, which serves as an entry point for malicious actors to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content into the application's output. The flaw enables remote attackers to execute malicious code within the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or unauthorized actions performed on behalf of victims.
This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-79, which defines Cross-Site Scripting as a weakness where untrusted data is sent to a web browser without proper validation or sanitization. The issue manifests as a reflected XSS vulnerability since the malicious payload is immediately reflected back to the user through the vulnerable parameter. The attack vector operates entirely through web-based interactions, making it particularly dangerous in web applications where user-generated content is displayed without adequate input filtering. The vulnerability is classified as a remote attack since no local access or authentication is required to exploit it, making it accessible to anyone who can interact with the vulnerable application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks. When exploited, the XSS flaw allows attackers to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious websites, deface the application interface, or harvest sensitive information from authenticated users. The implications are particularly severe in applications where users may have elevated privileges or access to confidential data. Attackers can craft payloads that appear legitimate to users, making detection difficult and potentially enabling prolonged unauthorized access to systems. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of web applications by allowing unauthorized code execution in users' browsers.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-2033 should focus on implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms. The most effective approach involves sanitizing all user-supplied input through strict validation and encoding before processing or displaying it within the application. This includes implementing proper HTML entity encoding for output, utilizing Content Security Policy headers, and employing input validation libraries that can identify and neutralize malicious script patterns. The application should also implement proper parameter validation to reject or sanitize any input containing potentially dangerous characters or script tags. Additionally, developers should consider implementing a web application firewall to detect and block suspicious requests. Organizations should conduct regular security assessments and code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components, as this type of flaw frequently occurs in web applications that fail to properly handle user input. The remediation process should include updating the Yogurt 0.3 framework to a patched version or implementing proper input sanitization measures if the framework is no longer maintained.