CVE-2009-0413 in RoundCube
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in RoundCube Webmail (roundcubemail) 0.2 stable allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the background attribute embedded in an HTML e-mail message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/04/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-0413 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within RoundCube Webmail version 0.2 stable, specifically targeting the email client's handling of HTML content. This issue arises from insufficient input validation and output sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter malicious content embedded within email messages. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79 as a failure to sanitize user input before incorporating it into dynamically generated web pages, making it particularly dangerous in web-based email environments where users frequently interact with potentially malicious content from unknown senders.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts an HTML email message containing malicious script code within the background attribute of HTML elements. When a victim opens this email within the RoundCube interface, the web application fails to properly sanitize or escape the malicious HTML content before rendering it in the browser context. The background attribute in HTML allows for arbitrary CSS and JavaScript execution, providing attackers with multiple vectors for injecting malicious payloads including JavaScript code, iframe embeddings, or other harmful web scripts that can execute within the victim's browser session.
This vulnerability poses significant operational risks to organizations relying on RoundCube Webmail for email communication, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code in the context of the victim's browser session. The impact extends beyond simple script injection to potentially allow for session hijacking, credential theft, data exfiltration, and further exploitation of the victim's system. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no special privileges or authentication from the attacker beyond sending a malicious email, making it a highly effective method for mass deployment attacks. The vulnerability is categorized under ATT&CK technique T1566.001 as a phishing attack vector that leverages web-based email clients to deliver malicious payloads.
The operational implications of this vulnerability are severe, as it directly compromises the security of email communication channels within organizations. Users who open malicious emails become potential entry points for more sophisticated attacks, potentially leading to full system compromise or data breaches. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the email client by undermining the trust model that users place in their email applications. Organizations may experience unauthorized access to sensitive email communications, potential data loss, and reputational damage from successful attacks. The attack surface is particularly wide since email is a fundamental communication tool used by all organizational levels.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-0413 should focus on immediate patching of the RoundCube Webmail application to the latest stable version that addresses this vulnerability. Organizations should implement strict email content filtering policies that scan for and quarantine potentially malicious HTML content before it reaches end users. Browser security enhancements including the implementation of Content Security Policy headers, sandboxing mechanisms, and strict XSS protection features should be enabled. Network-level defenses such as email gateway filtering and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection. Regular security assessments and user education programs should be implemented to reduce the risk of successful exploitation through social engineering attacks. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of proper input validation and output sanitization in web applications, particularly those handling user-generated content in email environments.