CVE-2010-4646 in Hastymail2
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Hastymail2 before 1.01 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a crafted background attribute within a cell in a TABLE element, related to improper use of the htmLawed filter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/08/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-4646 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in the Hastymail2 webmail application prior to version 1.01. This vulnerability specifically targets the application's handling of HTML content within table elements, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of other users' browsers. The flaw resides in the improper implementation of the htmLawed filter, which is designed to sanitize HTML input and prevent dangerous content from being rendered. When attackers craft malicious HTML content with a specially formatted background attribute within a TABLE cell, they can bypass the filter's validation mechanisms and inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML code that executes in victim browsers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization within the Hastymail2 application's HTML processing pipeline. The htmLawed filter, which should act as a security mechanism to neutralize dangerous HTML elements, fails to properly handle certain edge cases involving table attributes. When a TABLE element contains a cell with a background attribute that includes malicious script content, the filter does not adequately sanitize this specific attribute format, allowing the crafted payload to persist and execute. This represents a classic case of improper output encoding and HTML sanitization, where the application fails to properly escape or remove potentially dangerous attributes before rendering content. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws due to improper neutralization of input during web page generation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to perform session hijacking, deface webmail interfaces, steal user credentials, or redirect victims to malicious websites. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could manipulate the email interface to display misleading information, capture user sessions, or even deliver additional malware through the compromised webmail environment. The remote nature of this attack means that no local access is required, and the vulnerability can be exploited through standard web browser interactions. This makes it particularly dangerous in environments where users access webmail applications from various locations and devices, as the attack surface is broad and the attack vector is easily accessible through standard web browsing.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on strengthening the HTML sanitization process and implementing comprehensive input validation. Organizations should immediately upgrade to Hastymail2 version 1.01 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the improper htmLawed filter implementation. Additionally, implementing proper content security policies, enhancing HTML sanitization libraries, and conducting regular security assessments of web application input handling mechanisms are essential defensive measures. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper output encoding and input validation, as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and MITRE ATT&CK framework categories related to web application security. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious HTML content patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts. Regular security training for developers on secure coding practices and proper HTML sanitization techniques remains crucial in preventing similar vulnerabilities in future implementations.