CVE-2004-2103 in NetWare
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Novell NetWare Enterprise Web Server 5.1 and 6.0 allows remote attackers to process arbitrary script or HTML as other users via (1) a malformed request for a Perl program with script in the filename, (2) the User.id parameter to the webacc servlet, (3) the GWAP.version parameter to webacc, or (4) a URL request for a .bas file with script in the filename.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/09/2015
The CVE-2004-2103 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in Novell NetWare Enterprise Web Server versions 5.1 and 6.0 that fundamentally undermines web application security by enabling remote attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. This vulnerability operates through multiple attack vectors that exploit the server's improper input validation mechanisms, creating a dangerous environment where user sessions can be hijacked or sensitive data can be exfiltrated. The flaw specifically targets the server's handling of user-supplied input in various parameters and file name contexts, making it particularly insidious as it can be exploited through different methods depending on the attacker's targeting approach.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the web server's inadequate sanitization of input parameters and file names, allowing malicious payloads to bypass security controls and execute within the context of legitimate user sessions. When attackers craft requests containing script code within the filename parameter of Perl programs, the User.id parameter of the webacc servlet, or the GWAP.version parameter, the server processes these inputs without proper validation, leading to script execution in the victim's browser. Additionally, the vulnerability extends to .bas file requests where script content can be embedded in filenames, demonstrating the server's failure to properly validate and sanitize all user-controllable input points within its request handling pipeline. This represents a classic case of improper output encoding and input validation, directly correlating to CWE-79 which defines cross-site scripting vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-2103 is severe and multifaceted, as it enables attackers to perform session hijacking, steal user credentials, redirect victims to malicious websites, and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources. Attackers can exploit these vulnerabilities to execute arbitrary commands, modify web content, or establish persistent backdoors within the web application environment. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require physical access to the system, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where web servers handle sensitive data. The attack vectors cover multiple areas of the web application stack, from servlet parameter handling to file name processing, indicating a systemic security weakness in the server's input handling architecture. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which describes social engineering attacks through malicious web content, and T1071.001 which covers application layer protocol usage.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address the root cause through comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms. Organizations should implement strict parameter validation for all user-supplied inputs, particularly those used in servlet parameters and file name handling, while ensuring that all dynamic content is properly escaped before rendering in web pages. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to patched versions of Novell NetWare Enterprise Web Server or implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious script injection attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough input validation testing across all application parameters and file handling mechanisms to identify similar vulnerabilities. Security measures should include implementing content security policies, disabling unnecessary web server features, and establishing proper access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of defense in depth approaches and the necessity of regular security assessments to identify and remediate input validation weaknesses in web applications, aligning with security frameworks that emphasize the prevention of common web application vulnerabilities as outlined in OWASP Top 10 and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.