CVE-2003-1285 in Server
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in Sambar Server before 6.0 beta 6 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the query string to (1) isapi/testisa.dll, (2) testcgi.exe, (3) environ.pl, (4) the query parameter to samples/search.dll, (5) the price parameter to mortgage.pl, (6) the query string in dumpenv.pl, (7) the query string to dumpenv.pl, and (8) the E-Mail field of the guestbook script (book.pl).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/13/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2003-1285 represents a critical cross-site scripting weakness affecting Sambar Server versions prior to 6.0 beta 6. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting and exposes multiple attack vectors through various server-side scripts and components. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious web scripts or HTML code into web applications, potentially compromising user sessions and data integrity. The affected components include isapi/testisa.dll, testcgi.exe, environ.pl, samples/search.dll, mortgage.pl, dumpenv.pl, and book.pl, demonstrating the widespread nature of this vulnerability across different server modules. These scripts process user input through query strings and form parameters without proper sanitization or output encoding mechanisms, creating persistent entry points for malicious code injection.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding practices within the Sambar Server web application framework. When users interact with the affected scripts, the server fails to properly sanitize or encode user-supplied data before incorporating it into web responses. This allows attackers to craft malicious payloads that execute within the context of other users' browsers, potentially stealing session cookies, defacing web pages, or redirecting users to malicious sites. The vulnerability affects multiple parameter types including query strings, price parameters, and email fields, indicating a systemic lack of secure coding practices throughout the server's input handling mechanisms. The attack surface expands significantly as each vulnerable endpoint represents a potential vector for user exploitation, making this a particularly dangerous vulnerability for web applications running the affected server software.
The operational impact of CVE-2003-1285 extends beyond simple script injection, creating potential for more sophisticated attacks within the web application environment. Attackers could leverage these vulnerabilities to perform session hijacking, steal sensitive user information, or manipulate web content to spread malware. The presence of multiple attack vectors increases the likelihood of successful exploitation and makes defensive measures more complex. Organizations running Sambar Server versions before 6.0 beta 6 face significant risks including data breaches, service disruption, and potential compliance violations. The vulnerability's persistence across various server components suggests that administrators may need to implement comprehensive patching strategies rather than addressing individual endpoints. This type of vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of web applications, making it a critical concern for organizations relying on legacy server software.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2003-1285 require immediate action to upgrade to Sambar Server 6.0 beta 6 or later versions where the vulnerabilities have been addressed. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms across all web applications to prevent similar issues in the future. The remediation process should include thorough code reviews and security testing to identify additional potential vulnerabilities within the application stack. Network-based mitigations such as web application firewalls can provide temporary protection while permanent fixes are implemented, though these solutions may not address all attack vectors. Security teams should also consider implementing proper logging and monitoring of user input to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of adhering to secure coding practices and maintaining up-to-date server software to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify other legacy applications that may be similarly vulnerable to cross-site scripting attacks and implement appropriate security controls to protect against such threats.