CVE-2003-1149 in Norton Internet Security
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Symantec Norton Internet Security 2003 6.0.4.34 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a URL to a blocked site, which is displayed on the blocked sites error page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/27/2024
This cross-site scripting vulnerability exists within Symantec Norton Internet Security 2003 version 6.0.4.34 where the software fails to properly sanitize user input in URL handling mechanisms. The flaw occurs when the security software processes and displays URLs that have been blocked by its content filtering system, specifically on the error page that informs users about blocked content. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious URLs that contain embedded script code, which then gets executed when the blocked site error page is rendered to the victim's browser.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which describes improper neutralization of input during web page generation, commonly known as cross-site scripting. This weakness allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or defacement of web content. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the software does not properly escape or filter special characters in URLs before displaying them on the blocked content page, creating an environment where attacker-controlled input can be interpreted as executable code rather than plain text.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with a vector to compromise user sessions and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. When users encounter blocked content, they typically trust the security software's interface, making them more susceptible to executing malicious code without proper security awareness. This vulnerability affects the core security functionality of Norton Internet Security, undermining user confidence in the software's ability to protect against web-based threats while simultaneously creating a backdoor for attackers to exploit.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the affected software version, implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms, and educating users about the risks of interacting with potentially malicious content. Organizations should also consider implementing additional web application firewalls and content security policies to prevent exploitation of such vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1566, which involves the exploitation of vulnerabilities in web applications, and T1059, which covers the execution of malicious code through command and scripting interfaces. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other security software components and web applications.