CVE-2003-1513 in Resin
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in example scripts in Caucho Technology Resin 2.0 through 2.1.2 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via (1) env.jsp, (2) form.jsp, (3) session.jsp, (4) the move parameter to tictactoe.jsp, or the (5) name or (6) comment fields to guestbook.jsp.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-1513 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting Caucho Technology Resin versions 2.0 through 2.1.2. This issue manifests in multiple example scripts distributed with the application server, creating a significant security risk for organizations utilizing these components. The vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting weaknesses, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting web application vulnerabilities. These example scripts serve as demonstration tools but inadvertently provide attackers with multiple entry points for injecting malicious code into web applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding within the Resin server's example scripts. Attackers can exploit this weakness through several specific vectors including the env.jsp, form.jsp, and session.jsp files which fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before rendering it in web responses. Additionally, the tictactoe.jsp script contains a vulnerable move parameter that accepts unsanitized input, while guestbook.jsp presents two attack surfaces through the name and comment fields. These flaws occur because the server-side scripts do not implement proper HTML escaping or input validation mechanisms to prevent malicious script execution when user data is displayed back to other users.
The operational impact of CVE-2003-1513 extends beyond simple data theft or defacement, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of other users' browsers. This capability allows for session hijacking, credential theft, redirection to malicious sites, and potential privilege escalation within the affected web applications. The vulnerability affects organizations using Resin 2.0 through 2.1.2 as it demonstrates how even demonstration code can pose security risks to production environments. The widespread nature of the affected scripts means that any organization with these example files accessible to end users faces potential compromise, particularly in environments where these scripts are not properly secured or removed from production deployments.
Effective mitigation strategies for CVE-2003-1513 require immediate action to address the root cause through proper input validation and output encoding practices. Organizations should upgrade to Resin versions that have addressed these vulnerabilities, as version 2.1.3 and later releases contain the necessary fixes. Additionally, administrators should remove or secure access to the vulnerable example scripts in production environments, implement proper HTML escaping for all user-supplied content, and establish comprehensive input validation procedures. The remediation process should include reviewing all web application components for similar vulnerabilities and implementing a security code review process that specifically addresses XSS prevention techniques. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and content security policies as additional defensive measures to protect against similar vulnerabilities in the future.