CVE-2010-1227 in Java System Communications Express
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Sun Java System Communications Express 6.2 and 6.3 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the subject field of a message, as demonstrated by a subject containing an IMG element with a SRC attribute that performs a cross-site request forgery (CSRF) attack involving the cmd and argv parameters to cmd.msc.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2026
The CVE-2010-1227 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in Sun Java System Communications Express versions 6.2 and 6.3, which operates as a web-based application serving email and messaging services. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, specifically manifesting as a reflected XSS attack that exploits improper input validation mechanisms within the application's message handling functionality. The vulnerability's exploitation pathway begins with the manipulation of the subject field in email messages, where attackers can inject malicious script code that persists and executes when other users view the affected messages. The targeted application's failure to properly sanitize user input creates a persistent security gap that can be leveraged by remote attackers without requiring authentication or privileged access.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the strategic insertion of malicious HTML code into the subject field of email messages, with the specific demonstration involving the use of an IMG element containing a SRC attribute designed to initiate cross-site request forgery attacks. This particular attack vector demonstrates the sophisticated nature of the flaw, as it combines multiple attack techniques to amplify the impact. The malicious code injection targets the cmd and argv parameters within the cmd.msc endpoint, enabling attackers to perform unauthorized actions on behalf of authenticated users. The vulnerability's persistence stems from the application's inadequate output encoding and input validation mechanisms, which fail to properly escape or filter special characters that could be interpreted as executable script code.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-1227 extends beyond simple script execution, as it enables attackers to perform session hijacking, credential theft, and unauthorized administrative actions within the communications platform. When users view infected email messages, the embedded malicious scripts execute in their browser context, potentially compromising their sessions and enabling further attacks. The vulnerability affects the entire user base of affected systems, as any user who accesses the compromised email messages becomes a potential victim of the XSS attack. This creates a significant risk for organizations relying on the platform for business communications, as the attack can be propagated through simple email delivery mechanisms without requiring any special privileges or complex attack infrastructure.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent script injection, proper HTML sanitization of user-generated content, and regular security updates to address known vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1059.007 technique for Scripting, specifically targeting the application layer with malicious script execution. Security measures should include implementing Content Security Policy headers, regular security assessments, and user education regarding suspicious email content. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation across all web application components, particularly those handling user-generated content, as outlined in OWASP Top Ten security principles. Organizations should also consider network segmentation and monitoring solutions to detect anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while maintaining up-to-date threat intelligence to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of their communication infrastructure.