CVE-2004-1960 in Protector System
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in blocker_query.php in Protector System 1.15b1 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) target or (2) portNum parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/03/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1960 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Protector System version 1.15b1, specifically affecting the blocker_query.php component. This issue enables remote attackers to execute malicious web scripts or HTML code through manipulation of two distinct input parameters named target and portNum. The vulnerability falls under the broader category of CWE-79 Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which is a fundamental weakness in web application security where user-supplied data is not properly sanitized before being incorporated into web pages. The attack vector leverages the web application's failure to validate and sanitize user input, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to inject harmful code that executes in the context of other users' browsers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's insufficient input validation mechanisms within the blocker_query.php script. When the target or portNum parameters are processed without proper sanitization, the system directly incorporates these values into dynamically generated web content without adequate encoding or filtering. This allows attackers to submit malicious payloads that can include javascript code, html tags, or other harmful content. The vulnerability operates at the presentation layer of the web application stack, making it particularly dangerous as it can affect any user who views the affected page. According to ATT&CK framework category T1190 Exploit Public-Facing Application, this vulnerability represents a common attack pattern where adversaries target web applications to execute malicious code in victim browsers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or defacement, as it can enable more sophisticated attacks such as session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. An attacker could craft payloads that steal session cookies, redirect users to phishing pages, or inject malicious code that persists in the victim's browser environment. The remote nature of this attack means that exploitation does not require physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that serve a wide user base. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the web application by potentially allowing unauthorized access to sensitive information and compromising the trust relationship between users and the application. Organizations utilizing Protector System 1.15b1 would be exposed to significant risk, as this flaw could be exploited by anyone with access to the vulnerable web interface. The impact is particularly severe in environments where the application handles sensitive data or where users may be authenticated, as the injected scripts could leverage existing session contexts to perform actions on behalf of legitimate users.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1960 should focus on implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms. The most effective approach involves sanitizing all user-supplied input through strict validation rules and encoding potentially dangerous characters before incorporating them into web page content. This includes implementing proper HTML escaping for all dynamic content and ensuring that the application follows secure coding practices as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and the CWE guidelines. Organizations should also consider implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit the execution of unauthorized scripts and deploy web application firewalls to detect and block malicious input patterns. The remediation process requires updating to a patched version of Protector System or implementing proper input sanitization measures, as the vulnerability cannot be effectively mitigated through network-level security controls alone. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the web application stack, ensuring comprehensive protection against similar cross-site scripting attacks.