CVE-2003-1204 in Site Server
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in Mambo Site Server 4.0.12 BETA and earlier allow remote attackers to execute script on other clients via (1) the link parameter in sectionswindow.php, the directory parameter in (2) gallery.php, (3) navigation.php, or (4) uploadimage.php, the path parameter in (5) view.php, (6) the choice parameter in upload.php, (7) the sitename parameter in mambosimple.php, (8) the type parameter in upload.php, or the id parameter in (9) emailarticle.php, (10) emailfaq.php, or (11) emailnews.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/17/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2003-1204 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting Mambo Site Server versions 4.0.12 BETA and earlier. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is classified as a fundamental web application security weakness that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The flaw exists in multiple PHP script files within the Mambo CMS ecosystem, creating a widespread attack surface that significantly impacts user security and application integrity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization within the affected PHP scripts. Attackers can exploit eleven distinct parameters across different files to inject malicious JavaScript code that executes in the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerable parameters include link in sectionswindow.php, directory in gallery.php, path in view.php, choice and type in upload.php, sitename in mambosimple.php, id in emailarticle.php, emailfaq.php, and emailnews.php, along with navigation.php and uploadimage.php. These parameters are processed without proper sanitization, allowing arbitrary script execution when rendered in web browsers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. Remote attackers can leverage these XSS flaws to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users, redirect victims to malicious websites, or deface web pages. The attack vector requires no privileged access or authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by anyone with access to the vulnerable web application. Users who visit affected pages may unknowingly execute malicious scripts that can compromise their browser sessions, steal sensitive information, or provide attackers with persistent access to the compromised systems.
From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through spearphishing attachments and T1059.007 for command and control through scripting. The attack surface spans multiple application modules, indicating a systemic lack of secure coding practices throughout the Mambo codebase. Organizations using affected versions face significant risk of data breaches, credential theft, and potential system compromise. The widespread nature of the vulnerability across eleven different parameters suggests inadequate input validation across the entire application framework rather than isolated coding errors.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding across all user-supplied parameters. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to patched versions of Mambo Site Server, as this vulnerability was addressed in subsequent releases. Additionally, administrators should implement Content Security Policy headers, sanitize all user inputs before processing, and employ proper output encoding for dynamic content. Regular security audits and automated vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other web applications. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and the necessity of maintaining up-to-date software to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.