CVE-2004-2528 in Webcam Watchdog
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in sresult.exe in Webcam Watchdog 4.0.1a allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the cam parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2528 represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the Webcam Watchdog 4.0.1a software package, specifically affecting the sresult.exe component. This issue manifests as a security weakness that permits malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code through manipulation of the cam parameter. The vulnerability resides in the application's failure to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into web responses, creating an avenue for attackers to inject malicious content that executes within the context of other users' browsers.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding practices within the Webcam Watchdog application. When the cam parameter is processed by sresult.exe, the application does not adequately filter or escape special characters that could be interpreted as HTML or JavaScript code. This omission allows attackers to craft malicious payloads that, when executed, can perform actions such as stealing session cookies, redirecting users to malicious sites, or defacing web pages. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically targets the web interface components of the software, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users interact with the webcam monitoring system.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations utilizing Webcam Watchdog for security monitoring. Attackers could exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to user sessions, potentially compromising the entire webcam monitoring infrastructure. The impact extends beyond simple script execution as it enables more sophisticated attacks including session hijacking, credential theft, and persistent malicious presence within the monitored environment. The vulnerability affects any user who interacts with the web interface of Webcam Watchdog, making it particularly concerning for enterprise deployments where security cameras are monitored through web browsers.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in relation to CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in software applications. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1059.007 for scripting and T1566.001 for spearphishing with malicious attachments, as attackers may leverage this weakness to deliver malicious payloads through compromised web interfaces. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, output encoding, and proper parameter sanitization to prevent exploitation. Additionally, regular security assessments and application updates should be prioritized to address similar vulnerabilities in legacy software systems. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation in preventing web-based attacks that can compromise entire security infrastructures.