CVE-2003-0278 in Happymall
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in normal_html.cgi in Happycgi.com Happymall 4.3 and 4.4 allows remote attackers to insert arbitrary web script via the file parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/21/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0278 represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the Happymall e-commerce platform version 4.3 and 4.4, specifically affecting the normal_html.cgi script. This issue falls under the broader category of CWE-79 which defines improper neutralization of input during web page generation, making it a critical security concern for web applications. The vulnerability manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize user input passed through the file parameter, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary web scripts that execute in the context of other users' browsers.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the file parameter within the normal_html.cgi script, which serves as an entry point for attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code. When a victim visits a page that includes the maliciously crafted input, the injected script executes in their browser session, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or unauthorized actions performed on behalf of the victim. This type of vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental failure in input validation and output encoding practices, where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into web page content without proper sanitization measures.
From an operational standpoint, this XSS vulnerability poses significant risks to both end users and the organization running the Happymall platform. Attackers could exploit this weakness to steal sensitive session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or modify the content displayed to users, potentially leading to financial fraud or data breaches. The impact extends beyond simple script execution as it can enable more sophisticated attacks such as credential harvesting through form submission interception or the deployment of browser-based malware. The vulnerability affects the integrity of the web application and undermines user trust in the platform's security measures.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and output encoding techniques. Organizations should sanitize all user-supplied input, particularly parameters used in dynamic content generation, and employ content security policies to prevent unauthorized script execution. The solution involves validating the file parameter against a strict whitelist of acceptable values and ensuring that all dynamic content is properly escaped before being rendered in web pages. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and regular security code reviews can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future versions of the application. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which covers scripting through web shells, and demonstrates the importance of proper input validation as outlined in OWASP Top Ten A03:2021 - Injection vulnerabilities.