CVE-2004-1442 in Net.Data
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in db2www CGI interpreter in IBM Net.Data 7 and 7.2 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a macro filename, which is not properly handled by error emssages such as "DTWP001E."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1442 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within IBM Net.Data 7 and 7.2 web server components, specifically within the db2www CGI interpreter. This vulnerability exposes systems to remote code execution through malicious script injection, creating significant security risks for organizations relying on IBM's web infrastructure solutions. The flaw manifests when the system processes macro filenames that are not properly sanitized during error message generation, particularly in responses like the DTWP001E error handling routine. This issue falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is classified as a fundamental web application security weakness that allows attackers to inject malicious client-side scripts into web pages viewed by other users.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious macro filename that triggers an error condition within the db2www CGI interpreter. When the system generates error messages such as DTWP001E, it fails to properly sanitize the input parameters, allowing the injected script to be executed within the victim's browser context. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages the error handling mechanisms of the web server, which are typically trusted components that do not undergo the same security scrutiny as regular application logic. Attackers can utilize this flaw to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users, effectively compromising the integrity of the web application and potentially leading to full system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-1442 extends beyond simple script injection, as it represents a fundamental breakdown in input validation and output sanitization within IBM's web server implementation. Organizations running IBM Net.Data 7 and 7.2 systems become vulnerable to persistent XSS attacks that can remain undetected for extended periods, allowing attackers to establish long-term presence within networks. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious web content, and can be leveraged for subsequent techniques including credential theft and lateral movement. The attack surface is particularly broad given that the vulnerability affects the core CGI interpreter functionality, making it difficult to isolate and protect specific application components from exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of input validation and output encoding measures within the db2www CGI interpreter. Organizations should implement proper sanitization of all macro filenames and error message parameters to prevent script injection. The most effective immediate solution involves applying the vendor-provided security patches or upgrading to supported versions of IBM Net.Data that address this specific vulnerability. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls with XSS detection capabilities and deploying Content Security Policies can provide additional layers of protection. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive code reviews of all CGI components and error handling routines to identify similar vulnerabilities that may exist within the broader application stack. The remediation process must include thorough testing to ensure that the applied fixes do not introduce regressions in legitimate functionality while maintaining the system's core web serving capabilities.