CVE-2003-0488 in Mailserver
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in Kerio MailServer 5.6.3 allow remote attackers to insert arbitrary web script via (1) the add_name parameter in the add_acl module, or (2) the alias parameter in the do_map module.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0488 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting Kerio MailServer version 5.6.3. This issue stems from inadequate input validation within the web-based administrative interface, specifically in two distinct modules that handle user account and alias management. The vulnerability exposes the system to remote code execution risks through malicious web script injection, potentially allowing attackers to compromise user sessions and access sensitive email data. The affected parameters operate within the web administration framework where user inputs are directly incorporated into web responses without proper sanitization or encoding.
The technical exploitation occurs through two primary attack vectors that leverage the same underlying flaw of insufficient input validation. The first vector targets the add_name parameter within the add_acl module, while the second targets the alias parameter in the do_map module. Both modules fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before rendering it in web pages, creating opportunities for attackers to inject malicious javascript code that executes in the context of authenticated user sessions. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically affects the web interface components that manage access control lists and email alias configurations, making it particularly dangerous for administrators who might inadvertently execute malicious payloads while managing system users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it enables attackers to perform session hijacking, steal authentication cookies, and potentially gain unauthorized access to email accounts. The flaw affects the core administrative functionality of the mail server, allowing malicious actors to manipulate user permissions and alias configurations, which could lead to widespread email compromise. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require local system access or credentials to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the mail server's web interface is accessible from external networks. This creates a significant risk for organizations relying on Kerio MailServer for email services, as the vulnerability could be exploited to gain persistent access to email infrastructure.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and follows patterns commonly exploited in the ATT&CK framework under the T1059 category for command and scripting interpreter. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices that have been consistently identified as a primary cause of web application security breaches. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input sanitization, output encoding, and web application firewall rules to prevent exploitation. The recommended remediation includes updating to a patched version of Kerio MailServer, implementing proper parameter validation, and conducting thorough security assessments of all web-based administrative interfaces. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of administrative interfaces to trusted networks only, reducing the attack surface for such vulnerabilities.