CVE-2011-4750 in SmarterStats
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in SmarterTools SmarterStats 6.2.4100 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via crafted input to a PHP script, as demonstrated by Default.aspx and certain other files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/13/2019
The CVE-2011-4750 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in SmarterTools SmarterStats version 6.2.4100, exposing the application to remote code execution through malicious web script injection. This vulnerability specifically affects the Default.aspx page and other PHP scripts within the application framework, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on this web analytics platform. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing and rendering within the web interface, allowing attackers to inject malicious payloads that execute in the context of other users' browsers.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which describes Cross-Site Scripting flaws occurring when web applications fail to properly validate or escape user input before incorporating it into dynamic web content. The vulnerability operates by leveraging the application's insufficient sanitization of HTTP parameters and form inputs, particularly those processed by the Default.aspx script and related PHP components. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that, when executed, can steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform unauthorized actions on behalf of authenticated users. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires no authentication and can be executed through standard web browser interactions, making it highly exploitable in real-world scenarios.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-4750 extends beyond simple data theft, as it creates a persistent threat vector that can be leveraged for advanced persistent threats within compromised environments. Organizations using SmarterStats 6.2.4100 face potential data breaches, unauthorized access to analytics data, and possible lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack techniques including phishing campaigns, where attackers craft malicious links that, when clicked by unsuspecting users, execute the injected scripts. This creates a significant risk for businesses relying on web analytics for competitive intelligence and customer data management, as the compromised system could serve as a foothold for more extensive attacks. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers social engineering methods used to gain initial access to systems through malicious links or attachments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of the affected SmarterStats version, as the vendor has likely released security updates addressing the input validation flaws. Organizations should implement comprehensive input sanitization measures including proper HTML escaping, parameter validation, and content security policies to prevent similar issues in other applications. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and code reviews should focus on input handling mechanisms to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. The remediation process must include thorough testing to ensure that security patches do not introduce regressions in application functionality while maintaining the integrity of the analytics data processing capabilities that organizations depend upon for business intelligence and performance monitoring.