CVE-2003-0405 in Content Suite
Summary
by MITRE
Vignette StoryServer 5 and Vignette V/6 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary TCL code via (1) an HTTP query or cookie which is processed in the NEEDS command, or (2) an HTTP Referrer that is processed in the VALID_PATHS command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/13/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2003-0405 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Vignette StoryServer 5 and Vignette V/6 content management systems. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly process user-supplied data before executing TCL commands. The flaw exists in two distinct attack vectors that leverage different HTTP parameters to achieve code execution on the affected servers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves two primary attack surfaces within the Vignette application. The first vector exploits HTTP query parameters that are processed through the NEEDS command, while the second vector targets HTTP Referrer headers processed by the VALID_PATHS command. Both mechanisms demonstrate a classic lack of proper input filtering and sanitization that allows malicious users to inject arbitrary TCL code into the application's execution environment. The vulnerability specifically affects the application's command processing logic where user-controllable data flows directly into TCL interpreter commands without adequate validation or sanitization measures.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to organizations relying on Vignette StoryServer 5 and V/6 platforms. Remote attackers can leverage these flaws to execute arbitrary code on target systems with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The attack requires no authentication and can be executed through standard web browser interactions, making it particularly dangerous in environments where these legacy systems remain operational. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential data breaches, system infiltration, and lateral movement within network environments.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and represents a clear example of code injection attacks that exploit improper input validation. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1190 "Exploit Public-Facing Application" and T1059.008 "TCL" within the execution phase, demonstrating how attackers can leverage application weaknesses to gain unauthorized code execution capabilities. The attack vectors also correspond to T1566 "Phishing" and T1189 "Drive-by Compromise" when considering how attackers might deliver malicious payloads through web-based attacks.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including patching affected systems, implementing web application firewalls to filter malicious requests, and configuring proper input validation rules. The most effective long-term solution involves upgrading to supported versions of Vignette StoryServer or migrating to modern content management platforms that have robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of these legacy systems, while monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in HTTP requests that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other legacy applications that may be vulnerable to similar code injection attacks.