CVE-2017-12971 in Apache2Triad
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Apache2Triad 1.5.4 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the account parameter to phpsftpd/users.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/11/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-12971 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within Apache2Triad version 1.5.4, a web-based file transfer protocol management system. This vulnerability resides in the phpsftpd/users.php script where the account parameter fails to properly sanitize user input, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors. The flaw demonstrates a classic improper input validation issue that has been categorized under CWE-79, which specifically addresses Cross-site Scripting vulnerabilities. Attackers can leverage this weakness by crafting malicious payloads through the account parameter, potentially executing arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of other users' browsers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to implement proper output encoding or input sanitization mechanisms when processing the account parameter. When a user submits data through this parameter, the system does not adequately filter or escape special characters that could be interpreted as HTML or JavaScript code. This absence of input validation allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that will execute whenever other users view the affected page. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates in a web-based environment where users may have varying privilege levels, potentially enabling attackers to escalate their privileges or access sensitive information. The attack vector is straightforward requiring only that a victim navigate to a page containing the malicious input, making it highly exploitable in real-world scenarios.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations utilizing Apache2Triad 1.5.4 for file transfer management. The impact extends beyond simple script execution as attackers could potentially steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically targeting the execution of malicious scripts within user browsers. Organizations may experience data breaches, unauthorized access to file systems, or potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network presence to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the application is publicly accessible or exposed to untrusted users.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-12971 should prioritize immediate patching of the Apache2Triad application to version 1.5.5 or later, which contains the necessary input validation fixes. Organizations should implement comprehensive input sanitization measures, including the use of output encoding for all user-supplied data before rendering it in web pages. The application should employ proper parameter validation and implement Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of vulnerable systems. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious parameter values and anomalous user behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other web applications within the organization's infrastructure. The remediation process should also involve user education regarding the risks of clicking on untrusted links and the importance of keeping software updated to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.