CVE-2004-1341 in info2www
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in info2www before 1.2.2.9 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the arguments to info2www.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/01/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1341 represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw in the info2www web application framework. This security weakness resides in versions prior to 1.2.2.9 and enables malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of victim sessions. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the application's parameter handling system, specifically when processing arguments passed to the info2www utility. Attackers can exploit this flaw by crafting malicious input strings that contain script code which gets executed in the victim's browser when the application processes and displays these parameters without proper sanitization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which categorizes cross-site scripting as a code injection flaw occurring when untrusted data is incorporated into web pages without proper validation or encoding. The attack vector specifically targets the application's argument processing functionality where user-supplied input flows directly into the web response without adequate security controls. This flaw operates under the principle that the application fails to distinguish between legitimate user input and potentially malicious script code, creating an environment where attacker-controlled content can be interpreted and executed by web browsers. The vulnerability exists at the intersection of input validation and output encoding, where the system accepts data without sufficient sanitization before rendering it in web contexts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can lead to session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration. An attacker could craft payloads that steal cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or inject phishing content that appears legitimate to users. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from any location without requiring physical access to the target system. This vulnerability particularly affects web applications that rely on info2www for information presentation, potentially compromising user sessions and enabling persistent attacks against authenticated users. The flaw represents a significant risk to web application security as it allows attackers to manipulate the user experience and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive information or system resources through the execution of malicious scripts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1341 should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms. Organizations should upgrade to info2www version 1.2.2.9 or later, which includes proper sanitization of user inputs and secure handling of arguments. The implementation of proper content security policies and input validation frameworks can prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other applications. Security measures should include the application of context-specific encoding for all user-supplied data before rendering in web contexts, following the principle of least privilege for parameter handling, and implementing robust sanitization routines that strip or encode potentially dangerous characters. Additionally, regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in web applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter usage and T1566 for credential access through phishing or social engineering methods that exploit such vulnerabilities.