CVE-2004-2465 in Easy Chat Server
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in chat.ghp in Easy Chat Server 1.2 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the username parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/19/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-2465 represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the Easy Chat Server 1.2 application, specifically affecting the chat.ghp component. This issue arises from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly process user-supplied data before incorporating it into web page responses. The vulnerability manifests when the application accepts a username parameter through user input without implementing proper security controls to prevent malicious script injection. The affected component chat.ghp serves as a communication interface where user credentials and messages are processed, making it a prime target for exploitation. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of injection attacks and directly violates security principles of input validation and output encoding.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers submit malicious payloads through the username parameter, which gets reflected back to other users browsing the chat interface. The flaw enables attackers to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML code that executes in the context of other users' browsers. This creates a persistent threat vector where malicious code can be stored and executed whenever legitimate users view the affected chat interface. The vulnerability demonstrates poor security architecture where user input flows directly into web output without proper sanitization or encoding. According to CWE classification, this represents CWE-79: Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which is a fundamental weakness in web application security. The attack vector can be leveraged for session hijacking, data theft, or redirection to malicious sites, making it particularly dangerous in collaborative environments where multiple users interact.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it fundamentally compromises the security posture of the chat server and the privacy of its users. When exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate the chat interface in ways that can steal session cookies, redirect users to phishing sites, or inject malicious content that persists across multiple user sessions. The attack can be particularly damaging in corporate or educational environments where the chat server serves as a communication platform for sensitive discussions. Users may unknowingly execute malicious code when viewing chat messages, leading to potential data breaches or system compromise. This vulnerability also violates fundamental security principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, specifically addressing the risk of cross-site scripting attacks that can lead to complete application compromise. The persistence of the vulnerability across multiple user sessions makes it particularly concerning for organizations relying on the chat server for ongoing communication.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar issues. The primary fix involves implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms that sanitize all user-supplied data before it is processed or displayed in web interfaces. Organizations should deploy proper HTML encoding for all dynamic content, particularly when incorporating user input into web pages. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection against script execution. Security patches and updates should be applied immediately to address the vulnerability, while input validation should be strengthened to reject potentially malicious characters or sequences. Regular security testing including automated scanning and manual penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other components. Organizations should also implement proper logging and monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. The remediation process should align with NIST cybersecurity frameworks and security development lifecycle practices to ensure comprehensive protection. Additionally, user education about the risks of clicking suspicious links or entering untrusted input should be part of the overall security strategy, as social engineering aspects often complement technical vulnerabilities like this one.