CVE-2010-3070 in NuSOAP
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in NuSOAP 0.9.5, as used in MantisBT and other products, allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the PATH_INFO to an arbitrary PHP script that uses NuSOAP classes.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/17/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3070 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within NuSOAP version 0.9.5, a widely utilized PHP web services library that has been integrated into numerous applications including MantisBT bug tracking system. This vulnerability exists due to insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the NuSOAP library's handling of HTTP request parameters, specifically the PATH_INFO component that is often passed through to PHP scripts using the library. The flaw manifests when an application employing NuSOAP processes user-supplied data from the PATH_INFO without proper sanitization, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content directly into the application's response. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because NuSOAP is a foundational component that many web applications rely upon for SOAP web service functionality, making its exploitation potentially widespread across multiple applications that utilize this library.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL containing specially formatted PATH_INFO parameters that include JavaScript code or HTML tags. When the affected PHP application processes this input through NuSOAP classes, the malicious code gets executed within the context of the victim's browser session, bypassing normal security mechanisms. The vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious web content. The attack vector is particularly insidious because it leverages the legitimate use of web services and SOAP protocols, making it difficult for security systems to distinguish between benign and malicious requests. The vulnerability affects the application layer specifically, operating at the HTTP protocol level where PATH_INFO parameters are processed, and can be exploited by remote attackers without requiring any authentication or privileged access to the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform session hijacking, deface web applications, steal sensitive user information, or redirect victims to malicious sites. In the context of MantisBT and similar bug tracking systems, this could allow attackers to access confidential project information, manipulate bug reports, or gain unauthorized access to user accounts. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where these applications may be used to track sensitive business information or security incidents. Attackers can leverage this flaw to create persistent XSS payloads that remain active until the application is updated or the affected pages are no longer accessed. The impact is amplified by the fact that many organizations may not regularly audit their third-party library dependencies, leading to prolonged exposure periods where the vulnerability remains unpatched.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-3070 should focus on immediate patching of the NuSOAP library to version 0.9.6 or later, which contains the necessary input validation fixes. Organizations should implement comprehensive input sanitization at multiple layers of their application architecture, including validating and escaping all user-supplied data before processing. Web application firewalls and security scanning tools should be configured to detect and block suspicious PATH_INFO parameters containing script tags or other malicious content. Additionally, implementing content security policies can help prevent the execution of unauthorized scripts even if the vulnerability is not fully patched. Security teams should conduct regular vulnerability assessments of third-party libraries and maintain updated inventories of all components used in their applications. The remediation process should include thorough testing to ensure that patching does not introduce regressions in existing functionality, particularly in SOAP web service integrations that may depend on specific parameter handling behaviors. Organizations should also consider implementing automated dependency monitoring tools to proactively identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in their software supply chain.