CVE-2002-2192 in LiteServe
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Perception LiteServe 2.0.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary web script via (1) a Host: header when DNS wildcards are supported or (2) the query string in a "dir" request to indexed folders.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2025
The CVE-2002-2192 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in Perception LiteServe 2.0.1 web server software that exposes users to remote code execution risks through improper input validation. This vulnerability manifests in two distinct attack vectors that leverage the server's handling of HTTP headers and query parameters, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that rely on this software for content delivery and directory indexing. The flaw exists within the server's response processing logic where user-controllable input is not adequately sanitized before being returned to web clients, creating opportunities for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of victim browsers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the Perception LiteServe server processes incoming requests that contain maliciously crafted input in either the Host header or query string parameters. When DNS wildcards are enabled, attackers can manipulate the Host header to include script tags that will be executed when the server responds to client requests. The second vector involves directory indexing functionality where attackers can inject malicious payloads into the query string of "dir" requests targeting indexed folders. These attack vectors align with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities, and demonstrate how improper input validation and output encoding can create persistent security weaknesses in web server implementations. The vulnerability exploits the fundamental principle that web applications should never trust user input and must properly sanitize all data before rendering it in web responses.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-2192 extends beyond simple script execution to potentially compromise entire user sessions and enable sophisticated attacks such as session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration. When exploited successfully, attackers can redirect victims to malicious sites, steal cookies and authentication tokens, or inject malicious content that persists across user sessions. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where Perception LiteServe is used for file sharing, web publishing, or directory listing services, as these scenarios typically involve user interaction with potentially untrusted input. The attack surface is amplified when the server operates in wildcard DNS configurations, which are common in shared hosting environments and enterprise scenarios where multiple domains share the same IP address. According to ATT&CK framework category T1566, this vulnerability represents a technique for initial access through malicious web content, while T1059 demonstrates the execution of malicious code via web scripts, making this a multi-stage threat that can escalate to full system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-2192 require immediate implementation of input validation and output encoding measures that prevent malicious content from being processed or displayed by the web server. Organizations should implement proper header validation to sanitize the Host header and ensure that all user-supplied input in query strings is properly escaped before being rendered in web responses. The most effective immediate fix involves updating to a patched version of Perception LiteServe or migrating to a more modern web server implementation that properly handles cross-site scripting scenarios. Security measures should include implementing Content Security Policy headers to restrict script execution, configuring proper input sanitization routines, and disabling unnecessary directory listing features that expose the vulnerability. Additionally, network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can provide additional defense-in-depth layers to detect and block exploitation attempts. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive security assessments of all web applications using this software and implement regular vulnerability scanning to identify similar weaknesses in other components of their web infrastructure, as this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation across all web server components and the potential for attackers to leverage seemingly minor implementation flaws into significant security breaches.