CVE-2004-2435 in HRMS
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in PeopleSoft Human Resources Management System (HRMS) 7.0, when "web enabled" using HTML Access, allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified (1) debugging or (2) utility scripts.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/01/2025
The CVE-2004-2435 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in PeopleSoft Human Resources Management System version 7.0, specifically when configured with HTML Access functionality. This vulnerability exists within the web-enabled components of the system that facilitate HTML-based user interfaces and interactions. The flaw manifests in the processing of debugging and utility scripts, creating an avenue for malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of authenticated user sessions. The vulnerability affects organizations utilizing PeopleSoft HRMS in web-enabled environments where HTML Access is configured, potentially exposing sensitive employee data and system integrity to remote exploitation.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding within the PeopleSoft HRMS web components. When debugging or utility scripts are processed through the HTML Access interface, the system fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input parameters that may contain malicious script code. This occurs because the application does not adequately filter or escape special characters in script contexts, allowing attackers to inject malicious payloads that execute in the victim's browser when the affected scripts are rendered. The vulnerability specifically targets the handling of script parameters during debugging sessions and utility operations, where input validation mechanisms prove insufficient to prevent code injection attacks. The flaw operates at the application layer and requires no special privileges to exploit, making it particularly dangerous for environments with multiple users accessing the system through web interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, potentially enabling attackers to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, modify page content, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. Given that PeopleSoft HRMS typically handles sensitive employee information including personal details, payroll data, and performance records, successful exploitation could lead to significant data breaches and compliance violations. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access to the system through stolen session tokens, or to inject malicious code that could exfiltrate sensitive HR data. The vulnerability also poses risks to system availability and integrity, as malicious scripts could potentially disrupt normal business operations or manipulate critical HR processes. Organizations utilizing this system face potential regulatory penalties and reputational damage if exploited successfully, particularly in industries with strict data protection requirements.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-2435 should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the PeopleSoft HRMS environment. Organizations should ensure that all user-supplied input is properly sanitized and that special characters are appropriately escaped before processing or rendering within web contexts. The implementation of proper content security policies and the use of secure coding practices can help prevent script injection vulnerabilities in web applications. Additionally, organizations should consider disabling HTML Access functionality when it is not required, or implementing strict access controls and network segmentation to limit exposure. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in the system architecture. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and corresponds to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script injection attacks, highlighting the importance of proper input validation and output encoding in preventing such security incidents. The remediation process should include applying vendor patches if available, or implementing compensating controls such as web application firewalls and enhanced monitoring to detect and prevent exploitation attempts.