CVE-2005-4190 in Horde Application Framework
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in Horde Application Framework before 3.0.8 allow remote authenticated users to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via multiple vectors, as demonstrated by (1) the identity field, (2) Category and (3) Label search fields, (4) the Mobile Phone field, and (5) Date and (6) Time fields when importing CSV files, as exploited through modules such as (a) Turba Address Book, (b) Kronolith, (c) Mnemo, and (d) Nag.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/29/2019
The CVE-2005-4190 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Horde Application Framework version 3.0.7 and earlier, which exposes multiple attack vectors through various modules and data handling processes. This vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration CWE-79 classification, which specifically addresses weaknesses in web applications that allow malicious scripts to be injected into web pages viewed by other users. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the framework's core components, particularly affecting modules such as Turba Address Book, Kronolith Calendar, Mnemo Notes, and Nag Task Manager, which are integral parts of the Horde suite used for web-based collaboration and information management.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through multiple pathways that exploit the framework's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied data before rendering it within web pages. Attackers can leverage this weakness by submitting malicious payloads through the identity field, category and label search fields, mobile phone field, and date and time fields during CSV file imports. The vulnerability specifically targets the framework's data import mechanisms where user inputs are directly incorporated into HTML output without proper sanitization or encoding, creating opportunities for persistent and reflected cross-site scripting attacks. When users interact with affected modules, the malicious scripts execute within the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or unauthorized actions performed on behalf of victims.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-4190 extends beyond simple script injection, as it enables attackers to manipulate the functionality of web applications and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive data. The vulnerability's exploitation through CSV import functionality is particularly concerning because it allows attackers to craft malicious files that can be processed by the application without requiring direct user interaction beyond the initial import action. This creates a persistent threat vector where attackers can establish footholds within environments using Horde applications, potentially compromising entire user bases within organizations that rely on these collaborative tools for business operations. The attack surface is further expanded through the framework's modular architecture, where a single vulnerability in the core framework can affect multiple modules and applications built on top of it.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of input validation and output encoding controls throughout the affected modules, with particular emphasis on the CSV import functionality and all user-facing input fields. Organizations should implement proper HTML escaping and sanitization mechanisms for all user-supplied data, ensuring that potentially dangerous characters and script tags are properly neutralized before rendering in web contexts. The recommended approach aligns with the ATT&CK framework's mitigation strategies for web application vulnerabilities, particularly focusing on input validation and output encoding controls. System administrators should prioritize upgrading to Horde Application Framework version 3.0.8 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the XSS vulnerabilities. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and content security policies can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts, while regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack.