CVE-2005-2860 in Nikto
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Nikto 1.35 and earlier allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the Server field in an HTTP response header, which is directly injected into an HTML report.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/04/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-2860 represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the Nikto web security scanner version 1.35 and earlier. This issue resides in the application's handling of HTTP response headers, specifically the Server field, which is commonly used by web servers to identify their software version. The vulnerability occurs when Nikto processes web server responses and fails to properly sanitize the Server header value before incorporating it into the generated HTML report. This oversight creates a condition where malicious actors can inject arbitrary JavaScript code or HTML content through the Server header, which then gets executed in the context of a victim's browser when they view the Nikto report.
The technical mechanism of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which defines improper neutralization of input during web page generation as a critical weakness. The flaw operates by exploiting the lack of proper input validation and output encoding in the report generation process. When Nikto encounters an HTTP response containing a malicious Server header, it directly includes this unfiltered content within the HTML report without appropriate sanitization measures. This creates a persistent XSS vector where the injected script executes in the victim's browser context, potentially allowing attackers to steal session cookies, perform actions on behalf of users, or redirect them to malicious sites.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it compromises the integrity of security testing activities conducted using Nikto. Security professionals relying on Nikto for web application assessments become vulnerable to attacks that could compromise their testing environments. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the very tool used for security testing, potentially allowing adversaries to gain unauthorized access to sensitive testing information or manipulate the security assessment results. This creates a dangerous scenario where the security tool itself becomes a vector for exploitation, undermining the trustworthiness of the security testing process.
From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving command and control communication and credential access through the use of compromised tools. The attack chain typically begins with an attacker identifying a web server that responds with a malicious Server header, which is then processed by the vulnerable Nikto version. The execution phase involves the victim opening the generated report, triggering the XSS payload, which can then establish a beacon to a command and control server or attempt to exfiltrate session information. Organizations using outdated versions of Nikto face significant risk as this vulnerability can be exploited through legitimate network traffic without requiring additional attack vectors, making it particularly dangerous for security teams conducting web application assessments. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of keeping security tools updated and maintaining proper input validation across all components of security infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of Nikto to version 1.36 or later, where the XSS protection mechanisms have been implemented. Organizations should also implement proper input validation and output encoding in their security tool configurations, ensuring that all header values are sanitized before being included in reports. Network administrators should consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious Server headers, while security teams should establish procedures for regularly updating and verifying the integrity of their security tools. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other security tools and applications, as this type of flaw can exist in various forms across different software components and security infrastructure elements.