CVE-2004-1061 in Bugzilla
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Bugzilla before 2.18, including 2.16.x before 2.16.11, allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary HTML and web script via forced error messages, as demonstrated using the action parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/05/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-1061 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting Bugzilla versions prior to 2.18, including the 2.16.x series before 2.16.11. This vulnerability exposes the web application to malicious injection attacks that can compromise user sessions and data integrity. The flaw specifically manifests through forced error messages, where attackers can manipulate the action parameter to execute arbitrary HTML and script code within the context of the vulnerable application. The vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-79, which classifies it as a failure to sanitize or validate user-provided input before incorporating it into web pages. This weakness allows attackers to bypass normal security controls and inject malicious content that executes in the victim's browser, creating a persistent threat vector for session hijacking and data exfiltration.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding within Bugzilla's error handling mechanisms. When the application processes user-supplied parameters through the action parameter in error conditions, it fails to properly sanitize or escape the input before rendering it in web responses. This creates an environment where malicious actors can craft specially formatted requests that, when processed by the vulnerable application, result in the execution of injected scripts. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it leverages the application's legitimate error reporting functionality to deliver malicious payloads, making detection more challenging for security monitoring systems. According to the ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with T1059.007 for script injection techniques and T1566 for social engineering through malicious content delivery. The vulnerability can be exploited through various means including crafted URLs, form submissions, or even via email links that trigger the error conditions.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-1061 extends beyond simple script execution to encompass significant security risks for organizations relying on Bugzilla for issue tracking and project management. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious websites, deface web pages, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. The vulnerability affects all versions of Bugzilla up to and including 2.16.10, making it particularly concerning for organizations that may have delayed patching their systems. The forced error message mechanism provides attackers with a reliable and predictable attack surface, as the application's error handling routines are typically less scrutinized than core business logic. This vulnerability undermines the trust model of web applications by allowing unauthenticated attackers to inject malicious code that executes with the privileges of authenticated users, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Organizations using affected versions face risks of data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and potential regulatory compliance violations due to inadequate security controls. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple minor versions indicates a fundamental flaw in the application's input handling that required immediate attention and patching to prevent exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1061 primarily focus on immediate patching and implementation of proper input validation controls. Organizations should upgrade to Bugzilla version 2.18 or later, where the vulnerability has been addressed through improved input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms. The recommended approach includes implementing comprehensive input validation that filters or escapes all user-supplied data before processing, particularly in error handling routines. Security teams should also implement proper output encoding for all dynamic content, ensuring that any data rendered in web pages is properly escaped to prevent script execution. Additional defensive measures include deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious parameter patterns, implementing content security policies to restrict script execution, and conducting regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and the necessity of validating all user inputs regardless of their expected format or source. Organizations should also establish robust patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security updates and maintain awareness of emerging threats in their software ecosystem.