CVE-2004-1397 in UseModWiki
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in UseModWiki 1.0 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via an argument to wiki.pl.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/05/2019
The CVE-2004-1397 vulnerability represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw in the UseModWiki 1.0 web-based wiki application that fundamentally compromises user session integrity and enables malicious code execution within victim browsers. This vulnerability exists due to insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the wiki.pl script that processes user-supplied parameters. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content directly into the application's output stream, creating a persistent security risk that affects all users interacting with the vulnerable wiki instance.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly escape or filter user input before rendering it within web pages. When users submit data through the wiki.pl interface, particularly through URL parameters or form fields, the system does not adequately sanitize these inputs to prevent the execution of malicious scripts. This weakness falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, specifically representing a stored or reflected XSS vulnerability depending on how the malicious payload is delivered and persisted within the application. The vulnerability operates by injecting script tags or other malicious HTML content that executes in the context of other users' browsers when they view affected pages, potentially stealing session cookies, redirecting users to malicious sites, or performing unauthorized actions on behalf of victims.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or defacement, as it creates a persistent backdoor for attackers to maintain access to compromised systems. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious scripts that harvest user credentials, establish persistent browser-based backdoors, or redirect users to phishing sites that appear legitimate. The consequences include unauthorized access to sensitive wiki content, potential privilege escalation within the wiki application, and the ability to spread malicious payloads to other users within the wiki community. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations relying on wiki-based collaboration platforms where users frequently contribute content, as the attack surface expands with each user interaction that processes unfiltered input.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1397 should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application stack. Organizations must ensure that all user-supplied data undergoes strict sanitization before being processed or displayed, utilizing proper HTML escaping techniques that prevent script execution in web contexts. The recommended approach includes implementing Content Security Policy headers, employing proper parameter validation frameworks, and upgrading to patched versions of UseModWiki or migrating to more secure wiki platforms. Security measures should also include regular input validation testing, web application firewall deployment, and user education regarding the dangers of clicking suspicious links or submitting untrusted content to wiki systems. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing automatic input sanitization at the application level and establish monitoring protocols to detect unusual script injection attempts that may indicate exploitation attempts against similar vulnerabilities.