CVE-2002-0837 in Wordtrans
Summary
by MITRE
wordtrans 1.1pre8 and earlier in the wordtrans-web package allows remote attackers to (1) execute arbitrary code or (2) conduct cross-site scripting attacks via certain parameters (possibly "dict") to the wordtrans.php script.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0837 represents a critical security flaw in the wordtrans-web package version 1.1pre8 and earlier, affecting the wordtrans.php script through improper input validation mechanisms. This vulnerability manifests as a dual threat that enables remote attackers to either execute arbitrary code on the target system or conduct cross-site scripting attacks against unsuspecting users. The affected parameters, potentially including a "dict" parameter, demonstrate a classic input sanitization failure that has persisted in web applications for decades, highlighting the fundamental importance of proper parameter validation in web security architectures.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from the absence of adequate input filtering and sanitization within the wordtrans.php script. When attackers manipulate the "dict" parameter or similar input fields, the application fails to properly validate or escape user-supplied data before processing or displaying it. This weakness creates a pathway for attackers to inject malicious code that gets executed within the context of the web server or browser environment. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-74, which describes weaknesses in input validation that allow injection attacks, and more specifically aligns with CWE-94 for arbitrary code execution and CWE-79 for cross-site scripting vulnerabilities. From an operational perspective, this flaw represents a severe risk to web application integrity and user security, as it provides attackers with multiple attack vectors that can be leveraged for different malicious purposes.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-0837 extends beyond simple code execution or script injection, as it fundamentally compromises the security posture of any system running vulnerable versions of wordtrans-web. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to system resources, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The cross-site scripting component of this vulnerability allows attackers to hijack user sessions, steal sensitive information, or deface web pages, while the arbitrary code execution capability provides a direct path to system control. This vulnerability also aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566 for credential harvesting through social engineering. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it can be exploited through simple HTTP requests without requiring authentication, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation tools and botnets.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-0837 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements in input validation. The primary solution involves upgrading to a patched version of the wordtrans-web package that properly validates and sanitizes all user inputs before processing. Organizations should implement comprehensive input filtering mechanisms that reject or escape potentially malicious characters and patterns, particularly those associated with code injection attempts. Security measures should include output encoding for all dynamic content, parameter validation using allowlists rather than blocklists, and regular security audits of web applications. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the critical need for defense in depth strategies and continuous security monitoring, as demonstrated by the persistent nature of such input validation flaws in web applications. Organizations must also establish proper security awareness training for developers to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future applications, as the root cause remains a fundamental weakness in web development practices that continues to affect modern applications.