CVE-2010-0736 in viewvc
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the view_queryform function in lib/viewvc.py in ViewVC before 1.0.10, and 1.1.x before 1.1.4, allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via "user-provided input."
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/03/2026
The CVE-2010-0736 vulnerability represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the ViewVC web-based version control system that affects multiple versions prior to the security patches released in 1.0.10 and 1.1.4. This vulnerability specifically resides in the view_queryform function located within the lib/viewvc.py file, making it a critical entry point for malicious actors seeking to exploit web applications that utilize this version control visualization tool. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-provided data before rendering it within web responses, creating an environment where attackers can inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of other users' browsers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows the standard XSS attack pattern where untrusted input flows directly into the application's output without proper sanitization. When users interact with the view_queryform function, any data submitted through web forms or URL parameters gets processed and displayed within the application interface without adequate HTML escaping or context-appropriate encoding. This allows attackers to craft malicious payloads that, when executed, can steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users, or redirect victims to malicious sites. The vulnerability specifically affects the rendering of user-provided data within the web interface, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users interact with the same version control system and share the same browser sessions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable sophisticated attack vectors that leverage the trust relationship between the web application and its users. Attackers can exploit this flaw to execute persistent XSS attacks that compromise user sessions, potentially leading to complete system compromise if users have administrative privileges within the version control environment. The vulnerability also poses risks to data integrity and confidentiality, as malicious scripts can capture sensitive information, modify query results, or manipulate the application's behavior to hide or alter version control data. This type of vulnerability commonly maps to CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1566 for initial access through malicious content.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-0736 should prioritize immediate patching of affected ViewVC installations to versions 1.0.10 or 1.1.4 where the XSS vulnerability has been addressed through proper input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation that filters or escapes all user-provided data before processing, particularly focusing on common XSS attack vectors such as script tags, event handlers, and javascript protocols. The remediation approach should include implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution contexts, establishing proper output encoding for different contexts including HTML, JavaScript, and URL contexts, and conducting regular security testing of web applications to identify similar vulnerabilities. Additionally, security teams should consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious input patterns, while maintaining detailed logging of user interactions with vulnerable functions to support forensic analysis if attacks occur.