CVE-2002-0530 in Web Search
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting vulnerability in Novell Web Search 2.0.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary script as other Web Search users via the search parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0530 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within Novell Web Search version 2.0.1, classified under CWE-79 as Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation. This vulnerability exists in the web application's handling of user input within the search parameter, where the application fails to properly sanitize or escape user-provided data before incorporating it into dynamically generated web content. The flaw enables remote attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of other users' browsers when they view search results or interact with the vulnerable application interface.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious search query containing embedded script code within the search parameter. When the vulnerable web application processes this input and displays it in the search results page without proper input validation or output encoding, the malicious script gets executed in the victim's browser context. This type of attack leverages the trust relationship between the web application and its users, allowing attackers to impersonate legitimate users and perform actions within the application's security context. The vulnerability specifically affects the search functionality of the Novell Web Search application, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise user sessions or steal sensitive information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable more sophisticated attacks such as session hijacking, credential theft, or data exfiltration. An attacker could craft payloads that steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or modify the application's behavior to manipulate data access. The vulnerability affects all users who interact with the search functionality, potentially compromising the entire user base of the web application. This type of vulnerability also undermines user trust in the application and can lead to significant reputational damage for the organization running the vulnerable system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-0530 should focus on implementing robust input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent malicious code from being executed. Organizations should implement proper parameter validation to reject or sanitize potentially dangerous input patterns, including script tags, javascript protocols, and other malicious constructs. The application should employ context-aware output encoding when displaying user-provided data, ensuring that special characters are properly escaped based on the output context. Additionally, implementing a web application firewall can provide an additional layer of protection by monitoring and filtering suspicious traffic patterns. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious web content and T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter for script-based attacks, highlighting the need for comprehensive application security measures that address both input sanitization and output encoding controls.