CVE-2004-1410 in Instant Messenger
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Gadu-Gadu build 155 and earlier allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script via a URL, which is echoed in a popup window that displays a parsing error message, a different vulnerability than CVE-2004-1229.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/04/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1410 represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the Gadu-Gadu messaging client software version 155 and earlier. This security weakness resides in the client's handling of malformed URLs that trigger error message popups, creating an environment where malicious actors can execute arbitrary web scripts. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application processes a URL that causes a parsing error, subsequently displaying this malformed input within a popup window without proper sanitization or output encoding. This behavior creates a direct pathway for attackers to inject malicious code that executes in the context of the victim's browser session, potentially compromising user security and privacy.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization within the Gadu-Gadu client's error handling mechanism. When a malformed URL is processed by the application, the system fails to properly escape or filter the input before displaying it in the error popup window. This failure aligns with CWE-79, which categorizes cross-site scripting vulnerabilities as a result of insufficient output encoding or improper input validation. The vulnerability operates at the client-side level, where the application's trust in user-provided data leads to direct injection of unfiltered content into the browser context. Attackers can craft malicious URLs containing script tags or other executable code that gets executed when the error popup displays the malformed URL, effectively bypassing the client's security boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, potentially enabling attackers to perform session hijacking, data theft, or redirection to malicious sites. When victims encounter the parsing error popup, they unknowingly execute malicious code that can steal cookies, capture keystrokes, or redirect them to phishing pages. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple versions of the Gadu-Gadu client indicates a systemic flaw in the application's security architecture, affecting users who rely on this messaging platform for communication. Given the widespread adoption of the Gadu-Gadu client in certain regions, this vulnerability posed a significant risk to user security, particularly in environments where users might encounter malicious URLs through social engineering or compromised websites. The vulnerability's classification as a client-side XSS flaw means that successful exploitation requires user interaction with the malicious content, typically through clicking on a crafted URL or visiting a compromised website.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1410 should focus on immediate client-side updates and user education. The most effective solution involves upgrading to Gadu-Gadu versions that properly sanitize all user inputs before displaying them in error messages or any user-facing interfaces. Organizations should implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious script injection attempts, though these provide only secondary defense. Users must be educated about the risks of clicking on untrusted URLs and the importance of keeping their client software updated. Additionally, security administrators should consider implementing browser security policies that limit script execution capabilities and monitor for suspicious network traffic patterns. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for scripting, where adversaries use client-side scripting to compromise user systems. Regular security assessments and input validation reviews should be conducted to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future iterations of the application. The remediation process must include thorough testing of all user input handling mechanisms to ensure that no other pathways exist for similar injection attacks, particularly focusing on error handling routines where user-supplied data is displayed.