CVE-2003-0749 in Internet Transaction Server
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in wgate.dll for SAP Internet Transaction Server (ITS) 4620.2.0.323011 allows remote attackers to insert arbitrary web script and steal cookies via the ~service parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/25/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0749 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within SAP Internet Transaction Server version 4620.2.0.323011 affecting the wgate.dll component. This vulnerability resides in the server-side processing of web requests and specifically targets the ~service parameter which is used for service invocation within the SAP ITS framework. The flaw enables remote attackers to inject malicious web scripts into web pages viewed by other users, creating a persistent security risk that can be exploited across multiple sessions and user interactions.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding within the SAP ITS processing pipeline. When the ~service parameter is processed by wgate.dll, the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into dynamic web content generation. This insufficient sanitization allows attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code that executes within the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the application layer and can be exploited without requiring authentication or privileged access to the SAP system itself.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it enables attackers to steal session cookies and other sensitive information from authenticated users. When victims browse to a maliciously crafted URL containing the injected script, their browser executes the malicious code and potentially transmits their session cookies to the attacker's server. This cookie theft capability compromises user authentication and can lead to unauthorized access to SAP applications, data exposure, and potential privilege escalation within the enterprise environment. The vulnerability affects the broader SAP ecosystem as it impacts the core web transaction processing capabilities of the Internet Transaction Server.
Security professionals should note this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in software applications. The attack vector follows typical XSS exploitation patterns where the attacker crafts malicious input that gets stored and later executed in user browsers. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1566.001 - Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment and T1071.001 - Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols, demonstrating how attackers can leverage web application flaws to establish persistent access. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation controls, output encoding of dynamic content, and web application firewalls to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability. The recommended remediation includes applying SAP security patches, implementing proper input sanitization, and conducting comprehensive security testing of web applications to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation in enterprise web applications. SAP ITS serves as a foundational component for many business-critical applications, making this vulnerability particularly concerning from an enterprise security perspective. Organizations utilizing SAP systems should conduct thorough security assessments and ensure that all web-facing components undergo rigorous security testing to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities that could compromise sensitive business data and operational integrity.