CVE-2005-4496 in SyntaxCMS
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in search in SyntaxCMS 1.2.1 and earlier allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the search_query parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-4496 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within SyntaxCMS version 1.2.1 and earlier systems. This weakness specifically manifests in the search functionality of the content management platform, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter user-supplied data before it is processed and displayed within the application interface.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the search_query parameter receives user input that contains malicious script code without proper sanitization. When the CMS processes this parameter and renders the search results page, the malicious content gets executed in the victim's browser context, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious websites. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in web applications. The flaw exists due to the application's failure to implement proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms that would prevent malicious payloads from being interpreted as executable code rather than plain text.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to both administrators and end-users of affected SyntaxCMS installations. Attackers can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to user sessions, steal sensitive information, or manipulate content displayed to other users. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors do not require physical access to the system or local network privileges to exploit this vulnerability. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as attackers can potentially establish persistent backdoors or use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks within the network environment, aligning with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1566 category for credential access through malicious web content.
Organizations running affected versions of SyntaxCMS should immediately implement multiple layers of mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability. The primary remediation involves upgrading to a patched version of SyntaxCMS that includes proper input validation and output sanitization mechanisms. Additionally, implementing proper content security policies and input filtering at the application level can provide temporary protection while upgrades are being deployed. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious script payloads targeting this specific vulnerability. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in web applications and serves as a reminder of the necessity for regular security updates and vulnerability assessments to maintain robust security postures against evolving threats.