CVE-2004-0705 in Bugzilla
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in (1) editcomponents.cgi, (2) editgroups.cgi, (3) editmilestones.cgi, (4) editproducts.cgi, (5) editusers.cgi, and (6) editversions.cgi in Bugzilla 2.16.x before 2.16.6, and 2.18 before 2.18rc1, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript as other users via a URL parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/23/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-0705 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting multiple administrative CGI scripts within Bugzilla version 2.16.x prior to 2.16.6 and 2.18.x prior to 2.18rc1. This issue resides in the core web application functionality that manages system components, user groups, milestones, products, user accounts, and version information. The affected scripts including editcomponents.cgi, editgroups.cgi, editmilestones.cgi, editproducts.cgi, editusers.cgi, and editversions.cgi all share a common vulnerability pattern that allows unauthenticated attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code through URL parameters.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization within these administrative interfaces. When users navigate to these CGI scripts with maliciously crafted URL parameters, the application fails to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before rendering it back to the browser. This creates a persistent XSS vulnerability that can be exploited by attackers who craft specially formatted URLs containing JavaScript payloads. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because these scripts are typically accessed by administrative users with elevated privileges, meaning successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code as authenticated users within the Bugzilla application context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it represents a significant threat to the integrity and security of bug tracking systems. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized administrative actions, modify system configurations, or redirect users to malicious websites. The vulnerability affects the core administrative functionality of Bugzilla, potentially allowing attackers to gain complete control over the bug tracking environment. This aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities, and the ATT&CK framework's T1059.007 technique for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers could execute JavaScript payloads that could further compromise the system. The vulnerability affects all users who have access to these administrative scripts, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple administrators have access to the system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the affected Bugzilla versions to the recommended releases that contain proper input validation and output sanitization. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation measures that sanitize all user-supplied data before processing, particularly for parameters used in administrative interfaces. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection against XSS attacks by restricting script execution from unauthorized sources. Regular security auditing of web applications should include thorough testing of administrative interfaces for input validation weaknesses, and organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious URL parameter patterns. Additionally, user education regarding the dangers of clicking untrusted links and the importance of maintaining current software versions remains critical for overall security posture. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper secure coding practices and input sanitization in web applications, particularly those handling administrative functions where the impact of exploitation can be severe.