CVE-2004-1964 in Network Query Tool
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in nqt.php in Network Query Tool (NQT) 1.6 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the portNum parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1964 represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the Network Query Tool version 1.6, specifically affecting the nqt.php script. This issue arises from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly handle user-supplied data. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79 which denotes improper neutralization of input during web page generation, making it a significant concern for web application security. The Network Query Tool is designed to provide network diagnostic capabilities, but this particular flaw creates an avenue for malicious actors to exploit the application's web interface.
The technical exploitation occurs through the portNum parameter within the nqt.php script where remote attackers can inject arbitrary web script or HTML content. When the application processes this parameter without proper sanitization, the malicious code becomes embedded within the web page response and executes in the context of the victim's browser. This allows attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The vulnerability demonstrates a failure in input validation that directly violates secure coding practices and web application security principles.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to compromise user sessions and potentially escalate privileges within the application context. Users who interact with the vulnerable nqt.php script become unwitting participants in executing malicious code, creating a persistent threat vector that can be exploited repeatedly. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the application, particularly impacting the authentication and authorization mechanisms that rely on proper input handling. This flaw enables attackers to manipulate the application's behavior and potentially gain unauthorized access to network diagnostic information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1964 should focus on implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the nqt.php script. The most effective approach involves sanitizing all user-supplied input parameters including portNum before processing or displaying them in web responses. This aligns with the ATT&CK framework's mitigation techniques for web application attacks, specifically targeting the execution of malicious code through input manipulation. Organizations should implement proper parameter validation, employ secure coding practices that prevent XSS vulnerabilities, and consider deploying web application firewalls to detect and block such attacks. Additionally, upgrading to a patched version of Network Query Tool or implementing proper input sanitization measures would effectively address this vulnerability. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that all input parameters are properly validated and that output encoding is applied to prevent script execution in browser contexts.