CVE-2005-1555 in ColdFusion
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the JRun Web Server in ColdFusion MX 7.0 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary script or HTML via the URL, which is not properly quoted in the resulting default 404 error page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/02/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-1555 represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw that existed within the JRun Web Server component of Adobe ColdFusion MX 7.0. This issue specifically manifests when the web server encounters a malformed URL that triggers a default 404 error page, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code within the context of a victim's browser session. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization and improper HTML escaping mechanisms within the error handling process of the web server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of URL parameters that are subsequently rendered in the 404 error page without proper HTML encoding or quotation. When a user accesses a malformed URL, the web server generates a default error page that includes the original URL parameters directly in the HTML output. Attackers can craft malicious URLs containing script tags or other HTML content that gets executed when the error page is displayed to users. This represents a Type 1 cross-site scripting vulnerability where user-controllable data enters the application through the input source and flows directly into the output without proper sanitization. The flaw aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities, and more broadly with CWE-20 which covers improper input validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform session hijacking, deface web applications, steal sensitive cookies, or redirect users to malicious sites. The vulnerability affects the entire ColdFusion MX 7.0 platform, potentially compromising all applications hosted on the affected JRun Web Server instance. Attackers can leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to user sessions, modify web content, or deliver malware to unsuspecting users who encounter the malicious error page. The default nature of the 404 error page makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it occurs frequently during normal web browsing activities, increasing the attack surface and potential exposure time.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to patched versions of ColdFusion MX 7.0 or applying the relevant security patches provided by Adobe. The mitigation strategy should involve comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent any user-controllable data from being rendered directly in HTML contexts. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious URL patterns, as well as regular security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities in other web components. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566 for credential access through social engineering, highlighting the broader threat landscape that such vulnerabilities enable. Additionally, implementing proper error handling that does not expose raw user input in error messages aligns with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and helps prevent similar issues across the application stack.