CVE-2003-0803 in Electronic Documentation
Summary
by MITRE
Nokia Electronic Documentation (NED) 5.0 allows remote attackers to use NED as an open HTTP proxy via a URL in the location parameter, which NED accesses and returns to the user.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/02/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2003-0803 represents a critical security flaw in Nokia Electronic Documentation version 5.0 that enables remote attackers to exploit the system as an open HTTP proxy. This vulnerability specifically manifests through manipulation of the location parameter within URLs, allowing malicious actors to leverage the documentation system for unauthorized network access and data exfiltration. The flaw fundamentally undermines the security boundaries of the affected system by permitting arbitrary HTTP requests to be routed through the NED server without proper authorization checks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and access control mechanisms within the Nokia Electronic Documentation software. When a user submits a URL containing a location parameter, the system processes this input by making HTTP requests to the specified resource and returning the content to the original requester. This behavior creates a pathway for attackers to direct the system to access internal network resources or external malicious servers, effectively transforming the legitimate documentation system into a rogue proxy server. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and demonstrates poor security design principles regarding resource access control and input sanitization.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations using Nokia Electronic Documentation 5.0, as it allows attackers to bypass network security controls and potentially access sensitive internal resources. The impact extends beyond simple proxy functionality, as threat actors can use this capability to perform reconnaissance activities, access restricted network segments, or even establish command and control channels. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access or network proximity to the system, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where such documentation systems might be accessible from untrusted networks. Organizations may experience unauthorized data access, network infiltration, and potential escalation of privileges through this proxy mechanism.
Security mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing strict input validation and access control measures within the NED system. Organizations should disable or restrict the functionality that allows external URL processing, particularly when dealing with the location parameter. Network-level protections such as firewalls and proxy configurations should be implemented to prevent the NED system from accessing external resources. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-1286, which addresses the issue of insecure proxy handling in web applications, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1090.001 for proxy usage and T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage. Regular security updates and patches should be applied to ensure that such vulnerabilities are addressed, while network segmentation and monitoring can help detect unauthorized proxy activities. The remediation approach should include comprehensive testing to verify that the system no longer accepts or processes external URLs through the location parameter, ensuring that the proxy functionality is properly restricted and secure.