#VU110529 Cross-site scripting in PHP - CVE-2003-0442

Vulnerability identifier: #VU110529

Vulnerability risk: Medium

CVSSv4.0: N/A

CVE-ID: CVE-2003-0442

CWE-ID: CWE-79

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: Yes

Vulnerable software:
PHP
Universal components / Libraries / Scripting languages

Vendor: PHP Group

Description

Vulnerability allows a remote attacker to perform XSS attacks.

The vulnerability is caused by an input validation error in the transparent SID support capability for PHP before 4.3.2 (session.use_trans_sid) when processing PHPSESSID parameter. A remote attacker can trick the victim to follow a specially crafted link and execute arbitrary HTML and script code in victim's browser in security context of vulnerable website.

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may allow a remote attacker to steal potentially sensitive information, change appearance of the web page, perform phishing and drive-by-download attacks.

Mitigation
Install update from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

PHP: 4.3, 4.3.0, 4.3.1

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External links
https://distro.conectiva.com.br/atualizacoes/?id=a&anuncio=000691
https://marc.info/?l=bugtraq&m=105449314612963&w=2
https://marc.info/?l=bugtraq&m=105760591228031&w=2
https://shh.thathost.com/secadv/2003-05-11-php.txt
https://www.ciac.org/ciac/bulletins/n-112.shtml
https://www.debian.org/security/2003/dsa-351
https://www.mandriva.com/security/advisories?name=MDKSA-2003:082
https://www.osvdb.org/4758
https://www.redhat.com/support/errata/RHSA-2003-204.html
https://www.securityfocus.com/bid/7761
https://www.securitytracker.com/id?1008653
https://www.turbolinux.co.jp/security/2003/TLSA-2003-47j.txt
https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/12259
https://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A485

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Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote non-authenticated attacker via the Internet.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability. However, proof of concept for this vulnerability is available.