CVE-2005-2453 in NetworkActiv Web Server
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in NetworkActiv Web Server 1.0, 2.0.0.6, 3.0.1.1, and 3.5.13, and possibly other versions, allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the query string.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/29/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2453 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in NetworkActiv Web Server versions 1.0, 2.0.0.6, 3.0.1.1, and 3.5.13, along with potentially other variants within the product line. This vulnerability falls under the category of input validation failures and specifically manifests as a client-side attack vector that enables malicious actors to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content into web pages viewed by other users. The flaw occurs within the web server's handling of query strings, which are parameters passed through the URL that typically contain user-supplied data for processing by web applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of user input within the web server's response handling mechanisms. When the NetworkActiv Web Server processes incoming HTTP requests containing query strings, it fails to properly validate or escape special characters that could be interpreted as HTML or JavaScript code. This processing gap allows an attacker to craft malicious URLs containing script tags or other HTML elements that get executed in the context of other users' browsers when they access the affected web pages. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the application layer and can be exploited through simple web browser interactions without requiring any special tools or privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or defacement, as it can enable sophisticated attack chains that leverage the compromised user sessions. Attackers can exploit this flaw to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, inject phishing content, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple versions of the web server indicates a fundamental design flaw in input handling rather than a simple coding error, making it particularly concerning for organizations that may have deployed various iterations of this software. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-79 which specifically addresses improper neutralization of input during web page generation, a core weakness in web application security.
From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability aligns with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 technique for command and script injection, and more broadly with the web application attack patterns that target user input processing. The attack surface is extensive since query strings are commonly used in web applications for search functionality, form submissions, and parameter passing, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where user-generated content or dynamic URL parameters are prevalent. Organizations running these vulnerable versions of NetworkActiv Web Server face significant risk of unauthorized access, data compromise, and potential lateral movement within their networks if attackers successfully exploit this weakness.
The recommended mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate deployment of vendor patches or updates to versions that address the input validation flaws, implementation of web application firewalls to detect and block malicious query strings, and comprehensive input sanitization measures at the application level. Organizations should also consider implementing content security policies to limit script execution capabilities in web browsers and conduct thorough security assessments of their web infrastructure to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications or servers. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring for suspicious query string patterns can provide early detection capabilities for potential exploitation attempts. The remediation process should prioritize immediate patching of all affected systems while maintaining continuous vigilance for any signs of exploitation attempts that may have already occurred.