CVE-2011-0734 in ColdFusion
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Adobe ColdFusion before 9.0.1 CHF1 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via an id parameter containing a JavaScript onLoad event handler for a BODY element, related to a "tag body" attack. NOTE: this was originally reported as affecting 9.0.1 CHF1 and earlier.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/08/2019
The CVE-2011-0734 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in Adobe ColdFusion versions prior to 9.0.1 CHF1, demonstrating a classic web application security weakness that has significant implications for enterprise environments. This vulnerability specifically targets the handling of user input within the ColdFusion application framework, where improper sanitization of the id parameter allows malicious actors to inject JavaScript code that executes in the context of other users' browsers. The attack vector leverages the JavaScript onLoad event handler for BODY elements, which is a well-documented XSS technique that has been prevalent in web application security assessments for over a decade.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL containing an id parameter that includes a JavaScript payload designed to trigger an onLoad event handler within the BODY element of a web page. This specific attack pattern falls under CWE-79, which defines the Common Weakness Enumeration for Cross-site Scripting vulnerabilities, and demonstrates how insufficient input validation and output encoding can create persistent security risks in web applications. The vulnerability's classification as a "tag body" attack indicates that the flaw exists within how ColdFusion processes and renders HTML content, particularly in scenarios where dynamic content generation occurs through tag-based mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-0734 extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform session hijacking, deface web applications, steal sensitive data, and potentially escalate privileges within the affected ColdFusion environment. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through various attack surfaces including web forms, URL parameters, and API endpoints that process user-supplied data. The threat landscape for such vulnerabilities aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers Scripting languages for execution, and T1566, which encompasses spearphishing attacks that often leverage XSS flaws for initial compromise. Organizations running affected ColdFusion versions face substantial risk of unauthorized access and data breaches, particularly in environments where the application handles sensitive user information or serves as a platform for business-critical operations.
Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected ColdFusion installations to remediate this vulnerability, as the security patch provided by Adobe addresses the core input validation issues that enable the XSS attack. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization measures, output encoding, and content security policies can provide defense-in-depth protection against similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of regular security assessments and vulnerability management processes, as highlighted in NIST SP 800-53 controls related to vulnerability management and security assessment. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can serve as additional protective measures, though these should not replace proper patch management and code-level security controls. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patched applications to ensure that the security fixes do not introduce regressions in application functionality while maintaining the integrity of user input handling mechanisms.