CVE-2005-4255 in WikkaWiki
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in TextSearch in WikkaWiki 1.1.6.0 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a hex-encoded phrase parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-4255 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the WikkaWiki 1.1.6.0 content management system, specifically affecting the TextSearch functionality. This security weakness enables remote attackers to execute malicious scripts against unsuspecting users who interact with the vulnerable wiki environment. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize user input passed through the phrase parameter, allowing attackers to inject malicious code that persists within the application's search functionality.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the WikkaWiki TextSearch component. When users submit search queries containing hex-encoded malicious payloads through the phrase parameter, the application processes these inputs without sufficient sanitization measures. This processing failure creates an environment where attacker-controlled script code can be executed in the context of other users' browsers, effectively bypassing the normal security boundaries that protect web applications from such attacks. The vulnerability specifically affects the hex-encoded phrase parameter, indicating that attackers can encode their malicious payloads using hexadecimal notation to evade basic detection mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, data theft, and redirection to malicious websites. Users who access the compromised wiki and perform searches may unknowingly execute attacker-controlled code, potentially leading to complete compromise of their browser sessions. The vulnerability affects all users of the affected WikkaWiki version, making it particularly dangerous in collaborative environments where multiple users interact with the same wiki system. This flaw undermines the fundamental security assumptions of web applications by allowing unauthorized code execution in user contexts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-4255 should prioritize immediate application of security patches provided by the WikkaWiki development team, as well as implementing proper input validation and output encoding measures. Organizations should ensure that all user-supplied data is properly sanitized before being processed or displayed within the application. This includes implementing strict validation of input parameters and employing appropriate encoding techniques such as HTML entity encoding for output rendering. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and follows patterns commonly associated with ATT&CK technique T1566 related to social engineering through malicious web content. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls and content security policies to provide additional layers of protection against similar vulnerabilities in the future.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the critical importance of input validation in web applications and demonstrate how seemingly minor security oversights can create significant risks for entire user bases. This flaw represents a classic example of how insufficient sanitization of user inputs can lead to persistent security vulnerabilities that affect multiple users simultaneously. The hex encoding technique used by attackers indicates that traditional signature-based detection methods may be insufficient, requiring more robust input validation approaches. Organizations should implement comprehensive security testing procedures including automated scanning and manual penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in their web applications. The vulnerability also underscores the need for regular security updates and patch management processes to ensure that known security flaws are addressed promptly.