CWE-84: Improper Neutralization of Encoded URI Schemes in a Web Page

VariantDraft

The web application improperly neutralizes user-controlled input for executable script disguised with URI encodings.

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Technical Details

Structure
Simple

Applicable To

Languages
Not Language-Specific
Platforms

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CWE-84: Improper Neutralization of Encoded URI Schemes in a Web Page?+

CWE-84: Improper Neutralization of Encoded URI Schemes in a Web Page is a Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) entry maintained by MITRE. The web application improperly neutralizes user-controlled input for executable script disguised with URI encodings.

What are the security consequences of Improper Neutralization of Encoded URI Schemes in a Web Page?+

If exploited, CWE-84 (Improper Neutralization of Encoded URI Schemes in a Web Page) it can compromise Integrity, leading to outcomes such as Unexpected State.

How do you prevent or mitigate Improper Neutralization of Encoded URI Schemes in a Web Page?+

Recommended mitigations for CWE-84 include: Resolve all URIs to absolute or canonical representations before processing. Carefully check each input parameter against a rigorous positive specification (allowlist) defining the specific characters and format allowed. All input should be neutralized, not just parameters that the user is supposed to specify, but all data in the request, including tag attributes, hidden fields, cookies, headers, the URL itself, and so forth. A common mistake that leads to continuing XSS vulnerabilities is to validate only fields that are expected to be redisplayed by the site. We often encounter data from the request that is reflected by the application server or the application that the development team did not anticipate. Also, a field that is not currently reflected may be used by a future developer. Therefore, validating ALL parts of the HTTP request is recommended.

Which programming languages are affected by Improper Neutralization of Encoded URI Schemes in a Web Page?+

CWE-84 commonly affects Not Language-Specific. Note that weaknesses are often language-agnostic patterns, so secure coding practices apply broadly.

What are real-world examples of Improper Neutralization of Encoded URI Schemes in a Web Page?+

MITRE documents real CVEs mapped to CWE-84, including CVE-2005-2276, CVE-2005-0692, CVE-2002-0117 and CVE-2002-0118. You can look up the full details of each CVE, including CVSS scores and remediation guidance, on our CVE Lookup tool.

What is the difference between a CWE and a CVE?+

A CWE (Common Weakness Enumeration) like CWE-84 describes a category of software weakness — the underlying flaw type. A CVE (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) identifies a specific, real-world vulnerability in a particular product. In short, a CWE is the kind of mistake, and a CVE is an instance of that mistake being found in software.

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