CVE-2002-1335 in w3m
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in w3m 0.3.2 does not escape an HTML tag in a frame, which allows remote attackers to insert arbitrary web script or HTML and access files or cookies.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/28/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1335 represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw in the w3m web browser version 0.3.2. This issue resides within the HTML rendering engine of w3m, specifically in how it handles frame elements and processes HTML content. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary scripts or HTML code through frame attributes. The affected version of w3m fails to properly escape HTML tags when processing frame elements, creating a pathway for attackers to execute malicious code within the browser context of unsuspecting users.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of frame attributes in HTML documents, where attackers can inject script code that executes when the page renders. This particular flaw falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, specifically targeting the improper handling of HTML content in web browsers. When w3m processes a maliciously crafted frame element, the browser does not adequately sanitize the input, allowing the embedded script to execute in the user's browser environment. The vulnerability enables attackers to access sensitive information including user cookies, file contents, and potentially execute arbitrary commands depending on the browser's security context and user privileges. This represents a significant security risk as it allows for session hijacking, data theft, and potential privilege escalation within the browser's security boundaries.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-1335 extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with persistent access to user sessions and sensitive data. Users browsing websites that contain malicious frame elements may unknowingly execute attacker-controlled code, leading to unauthorized access to cookies, session information, and potentially sensitive files accessible to the browser process. The vulnerability operates at the application layer, targeting web browser implementations and exploiting the trust relationship between users and web content. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where users access sensitive information through w3m, as it can be leveraged for targeted attacks against specific users or organizations. The attack vector requires the user to view a malicious webpage containing crafted frame elements, making it a user-initiated attack that relies on social engineering or compromised websites.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve implementing proper input validation and output escaping mechanisms within the w3m browser implementation. The most effective approach is to update to a newer version of w3m that includes proper HTML escaping and sanitization for frame elements, as version 0.3.2 lacks the security measures necessary to prevent such attacks. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls or content filtering solutions that can detect and block malicious frame elements before they reach the browser. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and the importance of keeping their browser software updated. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper HTML escaping in web applications and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of input handling mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing strict security policies regarding web content access and regularly audit their web browsing environments for potential XSS vulnerabilities. This particular vulnerability serves as a reminder of the fundamental security principles that must be applied to all web browser implementations to prevent unauthorized code execution and data exposure.