CVE-2004-1100 in Mailpost
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in mailpost.exe in MailPost 5.1.1sv, and possibly earlier versions, when debug mode is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary web script or HTML via the append parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1100 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in the MailPost web application version 5.1.1sv and potentially earlier releases. This security weakness specifically manifests when the application operates in debug mode, creating an exploitable condition that enables malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML content within the context of affected user sessions. The vulnerability resides in the mailpost.exe component, which processes user input without proper sanitization or validation, particularly when handling the append parameter.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the append parameter within the MailPost application's web interface. When debug mode is active, the application fails to adequately filter or escape user-supplied input before incorporating it into dynamically generated web pages. This inadequate input handling creates a persistent cross-site scripting vector that allows attackers to inject malicious code that executes in the browsers of unsuspecting users who view the affected web pages. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-79, which categorizes improper neutralization of input during web page generation as a fundamental weakness in web application security. The flaw essentially permits attackers to bypass standard browser security mechanisms by executing scripts within the context of the vulnerable application's domain.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can lead to session hijacking, credential theft, and unauthorized access to user accounts. Attackers can leverage this XSS vulnerability to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious websites, or modify the content displayed to victims. The debug mode aspect of the vulnerability is particularly concerning as it indicates that the application's security controls are disabled or weakened during development or troubleshooting phases, creating a window of opportunity for attackers to exploit the system. This weakness demonstrates poor security practices in application deployment and configuration management, as the presence of debug functionality should never be exposed in production environments. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers scripting through web shell execution, and represents a common attack vector that has been consistently exploited across various web applications throughout the history of internet security.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1100 require immediate implementation of multiple security controls to protect against exploitation. Organizations should disable debug mode in all production environments and ensure that input validation and output encoding are properly implemented throughout the application. The most effective immediate fix involves implementing proper parameter sanitization and HTML escaping for all user-supplied input, particularly parameters like append that are processed by the mailpost.exe component. Security patches should be applied to upgrade to versions of MailPost that address this vulnerability, while also implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious input patterns. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security testing to identify other potential input parameters that may be vulnerable to similar cross-site scripting attacks. The remediation process should include disabling debug functionality in all web applications and establishing strict input validation policies that align with OWASP secure coding practices to prevent future occurrences of this class of vulnerability.