CVE-2009-3618 in viewvc
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in viewvc.py in ViewVC 1.0 before 1.0.9 and 1.1 before 1.1.2 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the view parameter. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/21/2019
The CVE-2009-3618 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in ViewVC version 1.0 before 1.0.9 and 1.1 before 1.1.2, specifically affecting the viewvc.py component. This vulnerability resides in the web application's parameter handling mechanism where user-supplied input from the view parameter is not properly sanitized or validated before being rendered in web responses. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious scripts or HTML code into the application's output, creating a persistent security risk that can be exploited across multiple user sessions. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple script execution as it enables attackers to manipulate the application's behavior and potentially access sensitive user data or perform unauthorized actions on behalf of victims.
This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-79, which defines Cross-Site Scripting as a weakness where untrusted data is incorporated into web page content without proper validation or encoding. The technical implementation flaw occurs in the view parameter processing within the viewvc.py script, where input validation is insufficient to prevent malicious payloads from being executed in the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability exists because the application fails to properly escape or filter user-controllable input before incorporating it into dynamic web content, creating an environment where attacker-controlled scripts can execute with the privileges of the affected user. The attack vector requires minimal user interaction since the malicious payload can be delivered through crafted URLs or web forms that trigger the vulnerable code path.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-3618 is significant as it enables attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, data exfiltration, and redirection to malicious sites. When exploited, the vulnerability can allow attackers to steal cookies, access user sessions, modify content displayed to other users, or redirect them to phishing sites. The vulnerability affects organizations using ViewVC for version control browsing, particularly those with web interfaces that expose repository contents through the view parameter. Attackers can craft malicious URLs containing script tags or other HTML elements that get executed when legitimate users access the vulnerable application, potentially compromising the entire user base that interacts with the affected web interface. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Scripting, where adversaries use web-based scripts to maintain access and execute malicious code in user browsers.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-3618 primarily involve immediate patching of the affected ViewVC versions to 1.0.9 or 1.1.2 respectively, which contain proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation at all entry points, particularly for web parameters like the view parameter, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly escaped or encoded before rendering. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional defense-in-depth measures by restricting script execution and preventing unauthorized code injection. Regular security auditing of web applications, including parameter validation checks and input sanitization routines, should be conducted to prevent similar vulnerabilities. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious parameter patterns that may indicate attempted exploitation of XSS vulnerabilities. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of following secure coding practices as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and other security frameworks, particularly focusing on proper input validation and output encoding to prevent injection attacks.