CVE-2005-2481 in ColdFusion Fusebox
Summary
by MITRE
ColdFusion Fusebox 4.1.0 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via an invalid fuseaction parameter, which leaks the full server path in an error message, as demonstrated using the "?" (question mark) character.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/29/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-2481 affects ColdFusion Fusebox version 4.1.0 and represents a classic information disclosure flaw that exposes critical system details to remote attackers. This vulnerability specifically manifests when the application processes an invalid fuseaction parameter, creating an error condition that inadvertently reveals the complete server file path through error messages. The exploitation technique involves sending a malformed request containing a question mark character as the fuseaction parameter, which triggers the vulnerable error handling mechanism. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of improper error handling and information exposure, making it particularly dangerous as it provides attackers with precise knowledge of the target system's directory structure and file locations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and error message generation within the ColdFusion Fusebox framework. When the system encounters an invalid fuseaction parameter, it fails to properly sanitize the input before processing the error condition, resulting in the direct inclusion of the server path within the error output. The question mark character serves as a trigger because it is interpreted by the application's routing mechanism as an invalid parameter, causing the system to fall back to its default error handling routine. This routine, rather than masking the internal system information, explicitly displays the full server path, which can include sensitive directory structures and potentially reveal the application's deployment configuration. The vulnerability directly relates to CWE-209, which addresses improper error handling that leads to information disclosure, and CWE-200, which covers information exposure through error messages.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with critical reconnaissance data that can be leveraged for subsequent attacks. The leaked server path information enables attackers to understand the application's deployment structure, potentially identifying other vulnerable components, configuration files, or sensitive directories that may be accessible through the same application. This information can significantly reduce the attack surface and facilitate more sophisticated exploitation techniques such as path traversal attacks or privilege escalation attempts. The vulnerability also increases the risk of targeted attacks against the specific ColdFusion installation, as attackers can now craft more precise exploitation strategies based on the revealed system information. Additionally, this type of vulnerability can contribute to compliance violations in regulated environments where information disclosure is explicitly prohibited.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-2481 should focus on implementing proper input validation, error handling, and security configuration practices. Organizations should ensure that all application parameters are properly validated before processing, with invalid inputs being handled gracefully without exposing system details. The application should be configured to use generic error messages that do not reveal internal system information, and custom error pages should be implemented to mask the actual server path information. Security hardening measures include disabling detailed error messages in production environments, implementing proper logging mechanisms to monitor for suspicious parameter inputs, and applying the latest security patches from Adobe ColdFusion. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1213 (Data from Information Repositories) as attackers can use the disclosed information to gather additional system intelligence. The recommended approach involves comprehensive application security testing, including penetration testing and code review processes to identify similar error handling issues throughout the application stack. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of information disclosure vulnerabilities.