CVE-2004-2102 in thttpd
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in FREESCO 2.05, a modified version of thttpd, allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the test parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/19/2024
The CVE-2004-2102 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in FREESCO 2.05, a modified implementation of the thttpd web server software. This vulnerability specifically targets the test parameter handling within the application's web interface, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute malicious code within the context of users' browsers. The flaw exists due to inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before rendering it in web responses. FREESCO 2.05, being a lightweight embedded web server solution designed for small networks and home use, inherits the security weaknesses present in its thttpd foundation while adding its own implementation-specific vulnerabilities. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects the web administration interface, making it accessible to anyone who can reach the device's web management portal without requiring authentication.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL containing script code within the test parameter and delivers it to a victim who accesses the vulnerable web interface. When the web server processes this input and displays it without proper sanitization, the embedded script executes in the victim's browser context, potentially allowing attackers to steal session cookies, deface web pages, or redirect users to malicious sites. This represents a classic stored or reflected XSS vulnerability where user input flows directly into the web response without appropriate encoding or filtering. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and demonstrates how embedded web servers can expose attack surfaces that are often overlooked in security assessments. The flaw is particularly dangerous in network environments where FREESCO devices serve as gateways or network management points, as it could enable attackers to compromise entire local networks through browser-based attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-2102 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can facilitate more sophisticated attacks within network environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform session hijacking, steal administrative credentials, or deploy additional malware through browser-based attack vectors. The vulnerability affects devices that are often deployed in unattended or poorly secured environments, making them prime targets for exploitation. Network administrators who rely on FREESCO for basic web serving functions may be unaware of the security implications of the web interface, especially in environments where the device is exposed to untrusted networks. This vulnerability also demonstrates the broader security challenges associated with embedded web servers and their interfaces, which frequently lack the robust security measures found in enterprise-grade web applications. The flaw can be exploited using standard web browser techniques and does not require specialized tools or deep technical knowledge, making it accessible to a wide range of threat actors.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the FREESCO software to address the input validation issues in the test parameter handling. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to FREESCO devices and ensure that administrative interfaces are not exposed to untrusted networks. Input validation and output encoding should be strengthened throughout the web application to prevent any similar vulnerabilities from emerging. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious web traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input sanitization in embedded systems, particularly those with web interfaces. Regular security assessments of embedded devices and web server configurations are essential to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls to provide additional protection against XSS attacks and ensure that all network devices undergo regular security updates and configuration reviews. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the security risks inherent in embedded systems and the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions to protect against known exploits.