CVE-2003-1511 in Java HTTP Server
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Bajie Java HTTP Server 0.95 through 0.95zxv4 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via (1) the query string to test.txt, (2) the guestName parameter to the custMsg servlet, or (3) the cookiename parameter to the CookieExample servlet.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2025
The CVE-2003-1511 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in the Bajie Java HTTP Server version 0.95 through 0.95zxv4, exposing web applications to malicious script injection attacks that can compromise user sessions and data integrity. 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 execute malicious scripts in the context of other users. The vulnerability specifically targets three distinct entry points within the server's servlet implementation, creating multiple attack vectors that significantly expand the potential impact of exploitation. The affected components include the test.txt endpoint, the custMsg servlet with guestName parameter, and the CookieExample servlet with cookiename parameter, all of which fail to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into web responses.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of HTTP request parameters that are directly reflected in the server's response without adequate input validation or output encoding. When a remote attacker crafts malicious payloads and submits them through any of the three identified parameters, the server processes these inputs without proper sanitization, allowing the injected scripts to execute within the victim's browser context. This type of vulnerability enables attackers to perform session hijacking, deface web pages, steal sensitive information, or redirect users to malicious sites. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe because it affects multiple servlet endpoints within the same server instance, providing attackers with multiple opportunities to compromise the application. The attack vector operates through standard HTTP GET requests, making it easily exploitable through simple web browser interactions or automated attack tools.
The operational impact of CVE-2003-1511 extends beyond immediate script execution to encompass broader security implications for web application integrity and user trust. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized access to user accounts, data breaches, and potential compromise of the entire web application infrastructure. The vulnerability creates persistent security risks because it affects the core HTTP server functionality rather than isolated components, meaning that any web application utilizing this server version could be compromised. Organizations running affected systems face potential regulatory compliance issues and increased liability due to the exposure of user data through these script injection vulnerabilities. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that these vulnerabilities exist in multiple servlet endpoints, increasing the probability that an attacker will find a successful exploitation path within a given application deployment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2003-1511 must address both the immediate vulnerability and broader architectural security concerns to prevent similar issues in the future. The most effective immediate solution involves implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms across all servlet endpoints, ensuring that user-supplied data is sanitized before being incorporated into web responses. Organizations should deploy web application firewalls and input validation filters that can detect and block malicious script payloads in real-time. The remediation process requires updating the Bajie Java HTTP Server to a patched version that properly handles user input validation, while also implementing comprehensive security testing procedures including dynamic application security testing and manual code review. Additionally, security teams should establish secure coding practices that align with OWASP Top Ten recommendations and implement proper parameter validation at all input points to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future development cycles. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and output encoding in web application security, reinforcing the need for comprehensive security controls that address both current threats and emerging attack patterns.