CVE-2002-1434 in Mailserver
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in the Web mail module of Kerio MailServer 5.0 allow remote attackers to execute HTML script as other users via certain URLs.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1434 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Web mail module of Kerio MailServer version 5.0. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before rendering it within web interfaces. The vulnerability affects the web-based email client component of the mail server software, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The flaw specifically manifests in certain URLs within the web mail module where user input is directly incorporated into HTML responses without proper sanitization measures.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers craft malicious URLs that contain embedded HTML script code within parameters or input fields. When legitimate users navigate to these specially crafted URLs or when the web mail module processes user input containing malicious payloads, the embedded scripts execute within the context of the victim's browser session. This allows attackers to perform actions such as stealing session cookies, redirecting users to malicious websites, or executing arbitrary commands on behalf of authenticated users. The vulnerability operates under CWE-79 which categorizes cross-site scripting flaws as weaknesses that allow attackers to inject malicious scripts into web applications viewed by other users.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-1434 extends beyond simple script execution, as it enables attackers to compromise user sessions and potentially gain unauthorized access to email accounts. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to steal sensitive email communications, access personal information stored in email accounts, or use stolen session tokens to impersonate legitimate users. The web mail module serves as a critical interface for email communication, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited to intercept confidential correspondence, manipulate email content, or establish persistent access to email systems. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers social engineering through malicious web content delivery.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the web mail module. Organizations should ensure that all user-supplied data is properly sanitized before being rendered in web interfaces, implementing strict validation of input parameters and applying appropriate HTML encoding to prevent script execution. The most effective remediation involves upgrading to a patched version of Kerio MailServer that addresses the XSS vulnerabilities in the web mail module. Additionally, network administrators should implement web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious script payloads, and deploy security monitoring systems to identify potential exploitation attempts. Security best practices should include regular vulnerability assessments, proper security configuration of web applications, and user education regarding the risks of clicking suspicious links or visiting untrusted websites that may contain malicious content designed to exploit similar vulnerabilities.