CVE-2002-1700 in ColdFusion
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting vulnerability (XSS) in the missing template handler in Macromedia ColdFusion MX allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary script as other users by injecting script into the HTTP request for the name of a template, which is not filtered in the resulting 404 error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/04/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-1700 represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the Macromedia ColdFusion MX application server platform, specifically affecting the missing template handler component. This issue falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, where the application fails to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into dynamic web content. The vulnerability manifests when ColdFusion MX processes requests for non-existent templates, creating a 404 error page that directly reflects the requested template name without appropriate input filtering or output encoding. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious HTTP requests containing script code within the template name parameter, which then gets embedded into the error message displayed to users.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of HTTP request parameters, specifically targeting the template name field in the URL or form data. When a user requests a non-existent template, ColdFusion MX generates a 404 error page that includes the original template name in the error message without proper sanitization. This creates an environment where malicious script code can be executed in the context of other users' browsers, effectively enabling attackers to perform session hijacking, defacement, or data theft operations. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the application layer, leveraging the legitimate error reporting mechanism to deliver malicious payloads to unsuspecting users.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents significant security risks to organizations utilizing ColdFusion MX platforms, as it allows remote attackers to compromise user sessions and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive data. The attack vector requires minimal technical expertise, making it accessible to a broad range of threat actors, from script kiddies to sophisticated attackers. The vulnerability can be exploited to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or inject persistent XSS payloads that remain active until the affected application is patched. Organizations running ColdFusion MX servers may experience unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential compliance violations, particularly in environments where the platform handles sensitive user information or financial transactions.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-1700 should focus on implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the ColdFusion application server. Organizations should ensure that all user-supplied input is properly sanitized before being incorporated into error messages or other dynamic content. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection against XSS attacks by restricting script execution within the browser context. Regular security updates and patches from Adobe should be applied immediately upon availability, as this vulnerability was addressed in subsequent ColdFusion releases. Network-based protections such as web application firewalls can also help detect and block malicious requests targeting this specific vulnerability, though they should not be considered a complete solution. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and output encoding practices, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution and T1566 for Phishing, as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to deliver malicious payloads to end users through seemingly legitimate error messages.