CVE-2004-2355 in Crafty Syntax Live Help
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Crafty Syntax Live Help (CSLH) before 2.7.4 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the name field of a livehelp or chat session.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2355 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within Crafty Syntax Live Help version 2.7.3 and earlier, exposing systems to remote code execution risks through web-based attack vectors. This vulnerability specifically targets the name field parameter utilized during live help or chat session initiation within the CSLH application framework. The flaw enables malicious actors to inject arbitrary HTML code or JavaScript payloads that execute within the context of other users' browsers when they interact with the compromised application. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-79, which defines improper neutralization of input during web page generation as a core weakness in web application security.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits malicious input containing script tags or HTML elements through the name field parameter during chat session creation. When the application fails to properly sanitize or escape this input before rendering it within the web interface, the injected code executes in the browser context of legitimate users who view the chat session or related content. This creates a persistent threat where the malicious script can perform actions such as stealing session cookies, redirecting users to malicious sites, or modifying the application interface to deceive users. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and output encoding, which are fundamental security practices recommended by the Open Web Application Security Project and the OWASP Top Ten security framework.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent footholds within organizations using CSLH for customer support or internal communications. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform session hijacking attacks, where stolen authentication tokens allow unauthorized access to support sessions and potentially sensitive customer data. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for phishing attacks, where malicious scripts can redirect users to fraudulent websites or collect keystrokes from users interacting with the chat interface. Organizations utilizing this software for live help services face significant risks, particularly in environments where sensitive customer information is exchanged during support sessions.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the CSLH application to version 2.7.4 or later, which includes proper input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms. System administrators should implement comprehensive input validation measures that filter or escape special characters in user-supplied data, particularly in fields used for display within web interfaces. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection by restricting script execution within the application context, while proper output encoding ensures that any malicious input is rendered harmless when displayed to users. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious input patterns, and conduct regular security assessments of their web applications to identify similar vulnerabilities. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which describes the use of phishing and social engineering tactics to deliver malicious payloads through web-based interfaces, highlighting the importance of defensive measures beyond simple patch management.