CVE-2004-1059 in mnoGoSearch
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in mnoGoSearch 3.2.26 and earlier allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary HTML and web script via the (1) next and (2) prev result search pages, and the (3) extended and (4) simple search forms.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2018
The CVE-2004-1059 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting mnoGoSearch versions 3.2.26 and earlier, demonstrating a fundamental weakness in input validation and output encoding mechanisms within web search applications. This vulnerability exists in the search functionality of the mnoGoSearch software, which is a web search engine designed for indexing and searching web content. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize user input parameters that are subsequently reflected back to users in search result pages and search form interfaces, creating an avenue for malicious actors to execute unauthorized scripts in the context of other users' browsers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability spans across multiple search page components within the mnoGoSearch application, specifically targeting the next and prev result navigation parameters that control pagination, as well as the extended and simple search form fields. These parameters are processed without adequate sanitization or encoding, allowing attackers to inject malicious javascript code or html content directly into the search interface. The vulnerability operates at the application layer where user-supplied data flows through the system and is rendered back to the user without proper contextual escaping or validation. This type of flaw aligns with CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which specifically addresses the failure to properly escape or encode user input before incorporating it into web pages.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to users of the mnoGoSearch application, as it enables remote code execution within the browser context of authenticated users. Attackers can exploit these vulnerabilities to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, deface search results, or perform actions on behalf of users without their knowledge. The impact is particularly concerning because search engines are often trusted applications that users interact with regularly, making them ideal targets for social engineering attacks. The vulnerability affects both the navigation parameters and search form elements, meaning that any user interacting with the search functionality could potentially be exposed to malicious scripts. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 - Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment, where the malicious payload is delivered through the search interface rather than traditional email vectors.
The exploitation of CVE-2004-1059 requires minimal technical skill and can be accomplished through simple parameter manipulation in the search URLs or form submissions. Attackers typically craft malicious payloads that are embedded within the search parameters, which are then reflected back to users in the search results or form displays. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects the core search functionality, making it difficult to distinguish between legitimate search results and malicious content. Organizations using mnoGoSearch versions prior to 3.2.27 should immediately implement mitigations including input validation, output encoding, and parameter sanitization. The recommended remediation involves upgrading to version 3.2.27 or later, which includes proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms. Additionally, administrators should implement web application firewalls, content security policies, and regular security assessments to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components of their search infrastructure. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation and output encoding in web applications, particularly those handling user-generated content or search parameters.