CVE-2012-5902 in ptk
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in ptk/lib/modal_bookmark.php in DFLabs PTK 1.0.5 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the arg4 parameter.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/24/2015
The CVE-2012-5902 vulnerability represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the DFLabs PTK 1.0.5 web application framework. This vulnerability exists in the modal_bookmark.php file located within the ptk/lib directory structure, making it a server-side input validation issue that affects the application's user interface components. The vulnerability specifically targets the arg4 parameter which serves as an entry point for malicious input injection, demonstrating a failure in proper input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms. The DFLabs PTK framework, designed for penetration testing and security assessment activities, becomes compromised when this vulnerability is exploited, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate the application's behavior and user interactions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows the standard XSS attack pattern where an attacker crafts malicious input containing executable script code within the arg4 parameter. When the vulnerable application processes this parameter without adequate sanitization, the injected content gets rendered in the browser context of authenticated users, creating a persistent XSS vector. This flaw falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities, and more precisely aligns with CWE-79: Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting'). The vulnerability demonstrates a lack of proper input validation and output encoding practices that are fundamental to preventing XSS attacks in web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and redirection to malicious websites. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of the victim's browser, potentially stealing session cookies or performing unauthorized actions on behalf of users. The vulnerability affects the integrity of the web application's user interface and can compromise user data confidentiality. In the context of penetration testing frameworks like PTK, this vulnerability poses a significant risk as it could allow an attacker to compromise the security testing environment itself, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive test data or bypassing security controls that are meant to protect against such attacks. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, demonstrating how attackers can leverage browser-based scripting to maintain persistence and execute malicious payloads.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-5902 should focus on implementing robust input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application. The primary fix involves sanitizing all user-supplied input, particularly parameters like arg4, before processing or rendering them in web pages. This includes implementing proper HTML escaping and JavaScript encoding for dynamic content, ensuring that any potentially malicious input is neutralized before being incorporated into the application's output. Organizations should also consider implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution and prevent unauthorized code injection. Additionally, regular security code reviews and input validation testing should be integrated into the development lifecycle to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced. The remediation efforts should align with security best practices outlined in OWASP Top 10 and the CWE guidelines for preventing XSS vulnerabilities, emphasizing the importance of defense in depth approaches that combine multiple layers of security controls to protect against such web application attacks.