CVE-2007-3101 in MyFaces Tomahawk
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in certain JSF applications in Apache MyFaces Tomahawk before 1.1.6 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script via the autoscroll parameter, which is injected into Javascript that is sent to the client.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-3101 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting Apache MyFaces Tomahawk components prior to version 1.1.6. This vulnerability specifically targets JavaServer Faces applications that utilize the Tomahawk library, which provides additional components beyond the standard JSF implementation. The flaw resides in how the framework handles the autoscroll parameter within its JavaScript generation process, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary web scripts into client-side responses.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding within the Tomahawk component's JavaScript rendering mechanism. When the autoscroll parameter is processed, the framework fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into dynamically generated JavaScript code. This improper handling creates a classic XSS vector where attacker-controlled data flows directly into executable JavaScript contexts on the client side. The vulnerability manifests when the application processes user input through the autoscroll parameter without adequate sanitization, allowing malicious scripts to be executed within the victim's browser context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it enables attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration. Remote attackers can craft malicious URLs containing crafted JavaScript payloads that, when processed by vulnerable applications, execute in the context of authenticated users. This creates a significant risk for web applications that rely on user authentication and session management, as successful exploitation could lead to complete compromise of user sessions and potential lateral movement within affected systems. The vulnerability affects the broader Java web application ecosystem that depends on Apache MyFaces Tomahawk for enhanced UI components.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate application updates to versions 1.1.6 or later where the XSS protection mechanisms have been implemented. Organizations should also implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding practices within their web applications, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly sanitized before being incorporated into dynamic content generation. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional defense-in-depth measures to prevent execution of unauthorized scripts even if the primary vulnerability is not fully patched. Security teams should also conduct thorough code reviews focusing on JavaScript generation and parameter handling within JSF applications, following established security guidelines such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten project and CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious web content and demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices in enterprise web frameworks.