CVE-2010-3077 in Application Framework
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in util/icon_browser.php in the Horde Application Framework before 3.3.9 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the subdir parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/07/2025
The CVE-2010-3077 vulnerability represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the Horde Application Framework, specifically in the util/icon_browser.php component. This vulnerability affects versions prior to 3.3.9 and exposes applications built on the Horde framework to potential client-side attacks. The issue manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize user input passed through the subdir parameter, creating an avenue for malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of a victim's browser session.
The technical flaw resides in the improper handling of user-supplied input within the icon browser functionality of the Horde framework. When the subdir parameter is processed without adequate sanitization or encoding, it allows attackers to inject malicious content that gets rendered in the victim's browser. This vulnerability operates under the CWE-79 classification as a weakness in input validation, specifically enabling attackers to inject malicious scripts that can execute in the victim's browser context. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it allows remote code execution within the user's browser environment, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or further exploitation of the victim's browser session.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable sophisticated attack chains that leverage the victim's authenticated session within the Horde application. Attackers can craft malicious URLs containing script payloads in the subdir parameter that, when visited by an unsuspecting user, execute in the user's browser context. This creates a significant risk for organizations using Horde-based applications, as the vulnerability can be exploited through various means including phishing emails, compromised web pages, or social engineering campaigns. The attack can potentially lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, modification of application content, or redirection to malicious sites, all while appearing to originate from legitimate application components.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to Horde Application Framework version 3.3.9 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the input sanitization issue. Additional protective measures involve implementing proper input validation and output encoding for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in dynamic content generation. Security teams should also consider implementing content security policies and regular security testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1059.007 technique for 'Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript', as it enables attackers to execute malicious JavaScript code through web-based interfaces. Furthermore, implementing web application firewalls and regular security audits can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts targeting this class of vulnerability.