CVE-2005-4574 in CommonSpot Content Server
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in loader.cfm in PaperThin CommonSpot Content Server 4.5 and earlier allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the bNewWindow parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/16/2024
The CVE-2005-4574 vulnerability represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw in the PaperThin CommonSpot Content Server version 4.5 and earlier, demonstrating a critical weakness in input validation and output encoding mechanisms. This vulnerability specifically affects the loader.cfm component which processes user-supplied parameters without adequate sanitization, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content into web applications. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it operates through the bNewWindow parameter, which is commonly used in web applications to control window behavior and navigation, making it a prime target for exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of user input within the CommonSpot Content Server's loader.cfm script. When the bNewWindow parameter is passed to the application, the system fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before incorporating it into the web response. This lack of input sanitization creates a direct pathway for attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, where applications fail to properly encode output or validate input, allowing attackers to inject malicious code. This type of vulnerability enables attackers to perform session hijacking, defacement, or redirect users to malicious sites.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-4574 extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with the ability to manipulate user sessions and potentially escalate privileges within the application. When exploited, this vulnerability could allow attackers to steal session cookies, modify content displayed to users, or redirect them to phishing sites that appear legitimate. The attack surface is particularly broad since the loader.cfm component is likely used throughout the application for various navigation and window management functions, meaning the vulnerability could be exploited in multiple contexts. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which describes social engineering attacks through malicious links or content, as users may be tricked into clicking on seemingly legitimate links that contain malicious payloads.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-4574 must focus on implementing robust input validation and output encoding practices throughout the application. Organizations should immediately upgrade to PaperThin CommonSpot Content Server versions that address this vulnerability, as the vendor likely released patches or updates that properly sanitize input parameters. Additionally, implementing proper input validation frameworks that reject or sanitize special characters in parameters like bNewWindow would prevent malicious code injection. The solution should include output encoding mechanisms that convert special characters to their HTML entities before rendering user-supplied content, preventing script execution in browser contexts. Security measures should also include regular input validation testing and implementation of web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious parameter values. Organizations should consider implementing content security policies that restrict script execution and prevent unauthorized code injection, which aligns with modern security best practices for preventing XSS vulnerabilities in web applications.