CVE-2002-1315 in Web Server
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Admin Server for iPlanet WebServer 4.x, up to SP11, allows remote attackers to execute web script or HTML as the iPlanet administrator by injecting the desired script into error logs, and possibly escalating privileges by using the XSS vulnerability in conjunction with another issue (CVE-2002-1316).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/27/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-1315 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Admin Server component of iPlanet WebServer version 4.x through Service Pack 11. This security weakness resides in the server's handling of error logging mechanisms, creating a pathway for remote attackers to inject malicious scripts that can execute with administrative privileges. The vulnerability specifically affects the administrative interface of the web server, which is a critical component for system management and configuration.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the injection of malicious scripts into error logs that are subsequently processed by the administrative interface. When the administrator views these error logs through the web-based administration console, the injected scripts execute in the context of the administrator's browser session. This creates a persistent XSS vector that can be leveraged to perform actions as the administrator, including but not limited to modifying server configurations, accessing sensitive data, or establishing further attack vectors. The flaw operates at the application layer and specifically targets the server's administrative functionality rather than the main web content delivery mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-1315 is severe and potentially catastrophic for affected organizations. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain administrative control over the iPlanet WebServer instance, effectively compromising the entire web server infrastructure. This privilege escalation capability allows for complete system compromise, including the ability to modify server configurations, deploy malicious content, access or modify sensitive data, and potentially use the compromised server as a launching point for attacks against other systems within the network. The vulnerability's persistence through error log injection means that the malicious code can remain active for extended periods, providing attackers with sustained access to the compromised system.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and demonstrates how administrative interfaces can become prime targets for attackers seeking elevated privileges. The issue also relates to ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, as the injected scripts can execute commands within the administrative context. Additionally, the vulnerability's relationship with CVE-2002-1316 highlights the dangerous potential for chained attacks where multiple vulnerabilities are combined to achieve more significant security breaches. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, output encoding, and access controls around administrative interfaces, while also applying the vendor-provided patches to address this critical vulnerability in their iPlanet WebServer installations.