CVE-2004-1412 in eSupport
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in index.php in Kayako eSupport 2.x allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the searchm parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/23/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1412 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within Kayako eSupport 2.x software, specifically affecting the index.php component. This weakness enables remote attackers to execute malicious web scripts or HTML code through manipulation of the searchm parameter, creating a significant security risk for organizations utilizing this support ticketing system. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization mechanisms within the application's search functionality, allowing malicious actors to inject harmful payloads that persist and execute in the context of victim browsers.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL containing script code within the searchm parameter and delivers it to unsuspecting users. Upon clicking the crafted link or when the vulnerable application processes the malicious input, the injected script executes in the victim's browser session, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws where applications fail to properly validate or escape user-supplied input before incorporating it into dynamically generated web pages. The attack vector operates through the web application's search interface, making it particularly dangerous as search functionality is typically accessible to all users and often used in email links or bookmarked pages.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable sophisticated attack chains that compromise entire user sessions and potentially provide attackers with elevated privileges within the application. Organizations running Kayako eSupport 2.x are at risk of unauthorized access to support tickets, customer data exposure, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the core search functionality that users frequently interact with, increasing the attack surface and likelihood of successful exploitation. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1566 (Phishing) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) techniques, as attackers can leverage the XSS to deliver phishing content or execute malicious commands through compromised user sessions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1412 require immediate implementation of input validation and output encoding measures within the application code. Organizations should implement strict sanitization of all user inputs, particularly those used in search parameters, and ensure proper HTML encoding of dynamic content before rendering in web pages. The recommended approach involves applying parameter validation to reject or sanitize any input containing script tags or potentially malicious characters. Additionally, implementing content security policies and using secure coding practices such as parameterized queries and proper input filtering can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. Organizations should also consider upgrading to newer versions of Kayako eSupport that have addressed this vulnerability, as version 2.x is no longer supported and lacks security updates. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other web applications within the organization's infrastructure.