CVE-2004-0251 in rxgoogle.cgi
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in rxgoogle.cgi allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary script as other users via the query parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0251 represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the rxgoogle.cgi web application component. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of injection attacks and specifically aligns with CWE-79 which defines improper neutralization of input during web page generation. The vulnerability exists in the handling of user-supplied input through the query parameter of the rxgoogle.cgi script, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject executable code into web pages viewed by other users. The affected application processes search queries without adequate sanitization or validation of input data, allowing attackers to craft malicious payloads that exploit the trust relationship between the web application and its users.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a specially formatted URL containing malicious script code within the query parameter of the rxgoogle.cgi endpoint. When a victim navigates to this crafted URL, the malicious script executes within the victim's browser context, potentially stealing session cookies, performing unauthorized actions on behalf of the user, or redirecting to malicious sites. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in input validation and output encoding practices, where the application fails to properly escape or filter user-controllable data before incorporating it into dynamic web content. This weakness enables attackers to bypass the same-origin policy that normally protects web browsers from executing malicious code from untrusted sources.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-0251 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable more sophisticated attacks within the context of web application security. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform session hijacking, deface web pages, steal sensitive information, or redirect users to phishing sites that can capture credentials and personal data. The vulnerability affects all users who interact with the affected web application, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users access the same system. The attack vector requires minimal technical expertise, as the vulnerability can be exploited through simple URL manipulation, making it a preferred target for both skilled and less experienced attackers. This type of vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of web applications by enabling unauthorized code execution within user sessions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-0251 should focus on implementing robust input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application. The primary defense involves sanitizing all user-supplied input by implementing strict validation rules that reject or escape potentially malicious content before it is processed or displayed. Organizations should implement proper HTML encoding of dynamic content to prevent script execution when user input is rendered in web pages. The implementation of content security policies can provide additional protection by restricting the sources from which scripts can be loaded. Security measures should also include regular code reviews and vulnerability assessments to identify similar flaws in other application components. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 which covers scripting through web shells, and T1566 which covers spearphishing through social engineering. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious input patterns, while maintaining up-to-date security patches and conducting regular security training for development teams to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future releases.