CVE-2004-0314 in WebzEdit
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in done.jsp in WebzEdit 1.9 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary script as other users via the message parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0314 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the WebzEdit content management system version 1.9 and earlier. This vulnerability exists in the done.jsp component which processes user input without proper sanitization, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of other users' browsers. The attack vector specifically targets the message parameter, which is processed by the application without adequate input validation or output encoding mechanisms.
This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is classified as a fundamental weakness in web application security. The flaw enables attackers to perform session hijacking, defacement of web pages, and unauthorized data access by executing malicious scripts in the browsers of unsuspecting users. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote code execution in the context of other users, potentially enabling attackers to escalate privileges or access sensitive information. The attack requires no authentication and can be executed through simple web browser interactions, making it highly exploitable in real-world scenarios.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution to encompass broader security implications for web applications. When exploited, the XSS vulnerability can lead to complete compromise of user sessions, data theft, and modification of web content. Users who interact with the vulnerable application may unknowingly execute malicious payloads that can redirect them to phishing sites, steal cookies, or perform actions on their behalf. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the web application, potentially allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to user accounts and sensitive data within the WebzEdit system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-0314 should prioritize immediate patching of the WebzEdit application to version 2.0 or later, where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and output encoding. Organizations should implement comprehensive input sanitization measures that filter and escape all user-supplied data before processing or displaying it within web pages. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers and proper output encoding techniques can provide additional defense-in-depth measures against similar vulnerabilities. Security teams should conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in web applications. Additionally, implementing proper web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious input patterns can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and the necessity of validating all user inputs to prevent injection attacks that can compromise web application security.