CVE-2010-1357 in SBD Directory Software
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in editors/logindialogue.php in SBD Directory Software 4.0 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the PATH_INFO.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2025
The CVE-2010-1357 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in SBD Directory Software version 4.0 that specifically targets the editors/logindialogue.php component. This vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's authentication interface, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of other users' browsers. The flaw is particularly concerning as it affects the login dialogue functionality, which serves as a primary entry point for user authentication within the directory software system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's improper handling of PATH_INFO parameters, which are HTTP server variables containing additional path information beyond the script name. When the editors/logindialogue.php script processes these parameters without adequate sanitization, it fails to properly escape or filter user-supplied input before rendering it within the web page context. This creates an environment where attacker-controlled data can be injected directly into the HTML output, bypassing standard security controls designed to prevent such malicious code execution. The vulnerability falls under CWE-79, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in web applications, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting weaknesses in web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with the capability to hijack user sessions, steal sensitive authentication credentials, and potentially gain unauthorized access to the directory software system. An attacker could craft malicious PATH_INFO parameters that, when processed by the vulnerable login dialogue, would execute scripts capable of capturing user login information, redirecting users to malicious sites, or even installing persistent malware within the victim's browser. The attack surface is particularly broad since the login dialogue component is likely accessed by all users within the directory system, making this vulnerability potentially exploitable against a wide range of targets. This type of vulnerability directly undermines the integrity of the authentication process and can lead to complete system compromise if exploited effectively.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-1357 should focus on immediate input validation and output encoding measures within the SBD Directory Software application. The primary remediation involves implementing proper parameter sanitization techniques that escape or filter all user-supplied input before processing or rendering within the web interface. Organizations should ensure that PATH_INFO parameters are thoroughly validated and that any potentially malicious content is stripped or encoded to prevent execution in the browser context. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policy (CSP) headers can provide an additional layer of protection against XSS attacks by restricting the sources from which scripts can be loaded and executed. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to OWASP Top Ten security guidelines, particularly those addressing input validation and output encoding to prevent XSS vulnerabilities in web applications.