CVE-2003-0002 in Content Management Server
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting vulnerability (XSS) in ManualLogin.asp script for Microsoft Content Management Server (MCMS) 2001 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary script via the REASONTXT parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0002 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in Microsoft Content Management Server 2001's ManualLogin.asp component. This weakness specifically manifests when the application processes the REASONTXT parameter without proper input validation or output encoding, creating an exploitable condition that enables malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of a victim's browser session. The vulnerability resides in the server-side script's handling of user-supplied input, where the REASONTXT parameter is directly incorporated into the web response without adequate sanitization measures.
This XSS vulnerability operates under CWE-79 which categorizes improper neutralization of input during web page generation as a primary weakness. The flaw allows attackers to craft malicious URLs containing script payloads that, when executed in a victim's browser, can perform unauthorized actions such as stealing session cookies, redirecting users to malicious sites, or modifying page content. The impact extends beyond simple script execution as it can facilitate more sophisticated attacks including session hijacking and credential theft. The vulnerability affects the authentication flow of MCMS 2001, potentially compromising user accounts and system integrity.
The operational implications of this vulnerability are significant within enterprise environments that rely on Microsoft Content Management Server for content management and web publishing. Attackers can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to protected content, manipulate user sessions, and potentially escalate privileges within the CMS environment. The vulnerability's remote execution capability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or insider knowledge of internal network structures. The attack vector specifically targets the login process, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged to intercept authentication credentials or manipulate login failure messages to confuse users and aid in social engineering attacks. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 which describes the use of malicious content to execute code in the context of a victim's browser session.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2003-0002 should include immediate implementation of input validation and output encoding controls within the ManualLogin.asp script. The recommended approach involves sanitizing all user-supplied input, particularly the REASONTXT parameter, through proper HTML encoding before incorporating it into web responses. Organizations should implement a comprehensive web application firewall rule to block suspicious script payloads and establish a regular patching schedule to address known vulnerabilities. The Microsoft Content Management Server 2001 should be updated to the latest available security patches, and administrators should conduct thorough input validation testing to ensure that all parameters are properly sanitized. Additionally, implementing content security policies and using secure coding practices for web applications can prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in future development cycles. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect and prevent exploitation attempts.