CVE-2004-1544 in JSPWiki
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Search.jsp in JSPWiki 2.1.120-cvs and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary web script as other users via the query parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/23/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1544 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw located within the Search.jsp component of JSPWiki version 2.1.120-cvs and earlier iterations. This issue manifests as a server-side input validation weakness that fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into dynamic web content. The vulnerability specifically affects the query parameter handling mechanism within the search functionality, creating an exploitable condition where malicious actors can inject arbitrary JavaScript code into web pages viewed by other users. The flaw resides in the application's failure to implement proper output encoding or input sanitization techniques when processing search queries, allowing attackers to bypass standard security controls designed to prevent malicious code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic XSS attack pattern where an attacker crafts a malicious payload containing JavaScript code within the query parameter of the search endpoint. When the vulnerable application processes this input and renders it back to users without adequate sanitization, the injected script executes within the context of the victim's browser session. This creates a persistent threat vector that can be leveraged to perform session hijacking, steal cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or execute unauthorized actions on behalf of authenticated users. The vulnerability maps directly to CWE-79 which categorizes improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically addressing the failure to properly encode output to prevent script injection attacks. From an operational perspective, this flaw represents a significant risk to user privacy and application integrity since it enables attackers to exploit legitimate user sessions and potentially escalate privileges within the wiki environment.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it fundamentally compromises the trust model of the web application. Users who interact with the affected JSPWiki instance become potential victims of session manipulation attacks where their browser sessions can be hijacked to perform unauthorized operations. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that search functionality is typically accessible to all users and often used in conjunction with other web applications that may share authentication contexts. Security frameworks such as the ATT&CK matrix categorize this vulnerability under the T1059.007 technique for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript" which highlights the exploitation of scripting languages within web browsers to execute malicious code. The vulnerability also aligns with the broader category of T1566 which encompasses social engineering techniques that leverage web-based attacks to compromise user systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1544 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the JSPWiki application. The most effective approach involves implementing strict input sanitization that removes or encodes potentially dangerous characters from user-supplied search queries before processing them. Additionally, the application should employ proper output encoding techniques that ensure all dynamic content is rendered safely within the browser context. Security patches should be applied to upgrade JSPWiki to versions that address this vulnerability, with the recommended solution being an upgrade to a patched release that includes proper XSS prevention controls. Organizations should also implement Content Security Policy headers to add an additional layer of protection against script injection attacks, while establishing regular security audits of web application components to identify similar vulnerabilities. The implementation of these controls aligns with industry best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines for preventing web application vulnerabilities, ensuring that the application maintains a secure operational posture against evolving threat landscapes.