CVE-2010-2778 in GroupWise
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in WebAccess in Novell GroupWise 7.x before 7.0 post-SP4 FTF and 8.x before 8.0 SP2 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a crafted message, related to a "Javascript XSS exploit."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/13/2021
The CVE-2010-2778 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within Novell GroupWise WebAccess functionality, specifically affecting versions 7.x prior to post-SP4 FTF and 8.x prior to SP2. This vulnerability resides in the web-based interface component that enables users to access their email and collaboration features through web browsers. The flaw allows remote attackers to execute malicious scripts within the context of other users' browsers, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on GroupWise for email services. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects the core web access functionality that many users depend on for daily communication and collaboration tasks.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding within the GroupWise WebAccess component. When users receive or compose messages containing crafted malicious JavaScript code, the system fails to properly sanitize or escape the content before rendering it in the web interface. This allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in the victim's browser context with the privileges of the authenticated user. The vulnerability specifically relates to how the system handles message content that contains JavaScript code, making it possible for attackers to craft messages that, when viewed by victims, trigger unauthorized actions such as cookie theft, redirection to malicious sites, or execution of arbitrary commands within the user's browser session.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can be exploited to compromise user sessions and potentially lead to complete account takeovers. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to steal session cookies, redirect users to phishing sites, or inject malicious content that appears legitimate within the GroupWise interface. This creates a persistent threat vector where compromised users may unknowingly interact with malicious content, leading to data exfiltration, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and potential lateral movement within the organization's network. The vulnerability affects the fundamental security model of the web-based email system, undermining user trust and potentially exposing confidential business communications.
Organizations should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability, including immediate patching of affected GroupWise versions to the recommended service packs. Network-based solutions such as web application firewalls can provide additional protection by filtering malicious content before it reaches the web interface. Input validation controls should be strengthened to ensure all user-supplied content is properly sanitized and encoded before display. Security awareness training for users can help identify suspicious email content that may contain malicious scripts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and follows ATT&CK techniques related to initial access through malicious content delivery and privilege escalation through session hijacking. Organizations should also consider implementing content security policies and disabling unnecessary web features to reduce the attack surface. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other web-based applications within the organization's infrastructure.