CVE-2004-1589 in Message Board
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in GoSmart Message Board allows remote attackers to execute inject web script or HTML via the (1) Category parameter to Forum.asp or (2) MainMessageID parameter to ReplyToQuestion.asp.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/08/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1589 represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the GoSmart Message Board application, a web-based forum system that was widely deployed in enterprise and organizational environments during the early 2000s. This vulnerability resides in the application's handling of user-supplied input parameters, specifically the Category parameter in Forum.asp and the MainMessageID parameter in ReplyToQuestion.asp. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious script code that executes within the context of other users' browsers when they view affected pages. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is classified as a critical security weakness in web applications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input containing script code and submits it through the vulnerable parameters. When the web application processes these parameters without proper input validation or output encoding, the injected scripts become part of the dynamic web page content. Upon subsequent access by legitimate users, the malicious scripts execute in their browser context, potentially stealing session cookies, redirecting users to malicious sites, or performing actions on behalf of the victim. The vulnerability affects the application's user interface rendering process where user input is directly embedded into HTML output without sanitization, creating a persistent XSS vector that can be leveraged for various attack scenarios.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-1589 extends beyond simple script injection, as it enables attackers to establish persistent footholds within targeted environments. The vulnerability can be exploited to conduct session hijacking attacks, where stolen authentication tokens allow unauthorized access to user accounts and potentially administrative privileges. Additionally, attackers can use this vector to deliver malware payloads, create phishing pages that appear legitimate to users, or manipulate forum content to spread malicious links. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through web application attacks, and T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter usage. The attack surface is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where such forums might be used for internal communications, making the potential for lateral movement and data exfiltration significantly higher.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary fix involves implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms that sanitize all user-supplied data before it is processed or rendered in web pages. This includes applying proper HTML encoding to all dynamic content, implementing Content Security Policy headers, and utilizing parameterized queries or input sanitization libraries. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious input patterns, while establishing regular security testing procedures including automated scanning and manual penetration testing. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the principle of least privilege in web application development, as outlined in industry standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework guidelines for secure software development lifecycle implementation.