CVE-2004-2411 in VP-ASP
Summary
by MITRE
The CleanseMessage function in shop$db.asp for VP-ASP Shopping Cart 4.0 through 5.0 does not sufficiently cleanse inputs, which allows remote attackers to conduct cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks that do not use <script> tags, as demonstrated via javascript in IMG tags to (1) the cat parameter in shopdisplayproducts.asp or (2) the msg parameter in shoperror.asp, and possibly other vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2411 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in VP-ASP Shopping Cart versions 4.0 through 5.0, specifically within the CleanseMessage function located in shop$db.asp. This weakness stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter malicious content from user-supplied parameters. The vulnerability operates by allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts through IMG tags without relying on traditional script tags, making detection and prevention significantly more challenging for security systems that might only monitor for conventional script injection patterns. The flaw manifests when user input is processed through the vulnerable function and subsequently displayed in web pages without proper encoding or filtering, creating opportunities for attackers to execute malicious code in the context of other users' browsers.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through specific parameter manipulation in two primary locations: the cat parameter within shopdisplayproducts.asp and the msg parameter in shoperror.asp. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that leverage javascript within IMG tags to bypass the insufficient cleansing mechanisms, effectively circumventing standard security measures that might only detect script tag-based XSS attempts. This approach demonstrates sophisticated evasion techniques that align with attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the web application attack category, specifically targeting the execution of malicious code through indirect vectors. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple XSS execution as it can potentially enable session hijacking, credential theft, and other malicious activities that compromise user sessions and system integrity. The flaw essentially creates a trust boundary violation where user-supplied content is treated as safe and rendered without proper security sanitization.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-2411 is substantial for organizations utilizing affected VP-ASP Shopping Cart versions, as it exposes their web applications to persistent cross-site scripting attacks that can compromise user data and system security. This vulnerability directly violates security principles outlined in the CWE (Common Weakness Enumeration) catalog under CWE-79, which describes cross-site scripting vulnerabilities, and represents a specific instance of improper input validation that allows malicious code execution. The attack vectors demonstrated through IMG tag injection bypass traditional security measures that might only monitor for script-based attacks, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can evade signature-based detection systems. Organizations running these vulnerable versions face significant risk of user session compromise, data theft, and potential system compromise through the execution of malicious code in user browsers. The vulnerability's persistence in the application's core database handling function means that any user interaction with the affected parameters could potentially serve as an attack vector.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements to prevent similar issues in the future. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms that properly sanitize all user-supplied content before processing or display, aligning with security best practices established in OWASP Top Ten and other industry standards. The fix should involve strengthening the CleanseMessage function to properly handle all types of script injection attempts, including those using IMG tags and other indirect vectors. Security teams should also implement proper parameter validation, content security policies, and regular security testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems that can detect and block such attack patterns, while also ensuring that all application components are regularly updated and patched to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities. The remediation process should include thorough code review and security testing to prevent similar input validation flaws from reoccurring in other parts of the application.