CVE-2005-2982 in CompaqHTTPServer
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in CompaqHTTPServer 2.1 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the URL, which is not properly quoted in the resulting 404 error page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/11/2018
The CVE-2005-2982 vulnerability represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw in the Compaq HTTP Server version 2.1 that demonstrates how improper input handling can create significant security risks for web applications. This vulnerability specifically affects the server's response to malformed URL requests, where the system fails to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into error messages. The flaw occurs when a remote attacker sends a malformed URL to the server, which then generates a 404 error page that includes the unprocessed URL parameter directly in the response without proper HTML escaping or quoting mechanisms. This behavior creates an exploitable condition where malicious scripts can be injected into the error page and subsequently executed by unsuspecting users who view the page.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws where web applications fail to properly validate or escape user-supplied data before incorporating it into dynamically generated content. The vulnerability exists at the server-side processing level where the HTTP server handles malformed requests and generates error responses without implementing adequate output encoding or sanitization measures. The Compaq HTTP Server 2.1 fails to implement proper input validation and output escaping for URL parameters that appear in error messages, creating a pathway for attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code or HTML content. When the server encounters an invalid URL, it includes the malformed parameter directly in the 404 error page, allowing attackers to craft URLs that when processed by the server will execute arbitrary code in the context of a victim's browser.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, defacement of web pages, and redirection to malicious sites. An attacker could craft a URL that when processed by the vulnerable server would inject a script that steals cookies or session tokens from users who visit the resulting error page. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where users might encounter unexpected error pages or where the server might be accessed by automated scanners or malicious users. The vulnerability affects the server's ability to provide secure error handling and demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and output encoding in web server implementations. The impact is amplified because the vulnerability is triggered by normal server operation when encountering malformed URLs, making it difficult to prevent through user education alone.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-2982 should focus on implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms at the server level. Organizations should ensure that all user-supplied data, particularly URL parameters, are properly sanitized before being included in any server-generated content including error messages. The recommended approach includes implementing HTML escaping or encoding for all dynamic content that originates from user input, which prevents the execution of malicious scripts even when injected into error pages. Additionally, server administrators should consider upgrading to patched versions of the Compaq HTTP Server or migrating to more modern web server implementations that properly handle input validation and error message generation. Security configurations should include disabling unnecessary server features and implementing proper logging to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the principle of least privilege in web server implementations, as outlined in various security frameworks and guidelines from organizations such as the Open Web Application Security Project. Organizations should also implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious URL patterns that might trigger XSS vulnerabilities in web applications.