CVE-2004-1645 in Xedus
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Xedus 1.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) username parameter to test.x, (2) username parameter to TestServer.x, or (3) param parameter to testgetrequest.x.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/11/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-1645 represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw affecting the Xedus 1.0 web application framework. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the application's handling of user-supplied data. The vulnerability specifically impacts three distinct endpoints within the framework: test.x, TestServer.x, and testgetrequest.x, all of which accept user input through parameterized queries without proper sanitization. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of other users' browsers, creating a significant vector for malicious activity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates poor secure coding practices where user input from the username parameter in test.x and TestServer.x, as well as the param parameter in testgetrequest.x, flows directly into the application's output without appropriate HTML escaping or validation. This creates an environment where attackers can craft malicious payloads that persist in the application's response, leading to unauthorized script execution in victim browsers. The vulnerability manifests as a type 1 cross-site scripting flaw according to the OWASP Top Ten classification, where the application directly incorporates untrusted data into web pages without proper validation or encoding.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it enables attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, data exfiltration, and redirection to malicious sites. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to steal user sessions, modify application data, or even gain elevated privileges within the application. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that handle sensitive user information. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in application input handling and output generation processes.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding across all user-facing parameters. The recommended approach includes sanitizing all user inputs using proper HTML escaping techniques before incorporating them into application responses, implementing strict parameter validation, and utilizing secure coding practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Practices. Organizations should also consider implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution and employ web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would place it within the T1566 technique category for Phishing, as attackers could leverage this flaw to craft convincing malicious web pages that appear legitimate to users. Regular security testing and code reviews should be implemented to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components and ensure proper defense-in-depth measures are maintained throughout the application lifecycle.