CVE-2003-1554 in Scozbook
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in scozbook/add.php in ScozNet ScozBook 1.1 BETA allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) username, (2) useremail, (3) aim, (4) msn, (5) sitename and (6) siteaddy variables.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/16/2019
The CVE-2003-1554 vulnerability represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw in the ScozNet ScozBook 1.1 BETA web application that exposes multiple input parameters to malicious script injection attacks. This vulnerability resides within the scozbook/add.php script which processes user-submitted data for adding new entries to the application's database. The flaw affects six specific variables including username, useremail, aim, msn, sitename, and siteaddy, all of which are processed without proper input sanitization or output encoding mechanisms. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-79 which defines improper neutralization of input during web page generation as a primary weakness in web applications. This particular implementation demonstrates a failure in the application's data validation and sanitization processes, creating a pathway for attackers to execute malicious code within the context of other users' browsers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it allows remote attackers to potentially steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users, or redirect victims to malicious websites. When users interact with the vulnerable application, any malicious scripts injected through these parameters will execute in the browser context of other users who view the affected content. This creates a persistent threat vector where attackers can establish long-term access to user sessions or manipulate the application's behavior. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects multiple input fields that are commonly used in user profile management systems, making it highly exploitable in real-world scenarios. According to ATT&CK framework's T1531 technique for "Modify System Image", this vulnerability enables attackers to modify the application's behavior through malicious input processing.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2003-1554 requires minimal sophistication and can be accomplished through simple HTTP requests containing malicious JavaScript payloads in any of the six vulnerable parameters. Attackers can craft payloads that leverage the browser's trust in the application to execute code in the context of legitimate user sessions. The vulnerability's persistence stems from the application's failure to implement proper output encoding or input validation mechanisms, making it susceptible to various XSS attack patterns including stored XSS where malicious content is permanently stored in the application's database. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability represents a fundamental flaw in web application security practices, particularly regarding the principle of least privilege and proper data sanitization. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation, output encoding, and Content Security Policy headers to prevent such vulnerabilities from being exploited in modern web applications. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security audits and code reviews to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in legacy applications that may continue to operate in production environments.