CVE-2011-1335 in Office
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Cybozu Office 6, 7, and 8 before 8.1.1 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via vectors related to the "address book and user list functions."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/09/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2011-1335 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting multiple versions of Cybozu Office software including versions 6, 7, and 8 before 8.1.1. This vulnerability specifically targets the address book and user list functions within the application, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute malicious web scripts or HTML code within the context of affected users' browsers. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before rendering it in web interfaces. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities where improper validation of user input leads to the execution of malicious scripts in victim browsers. The attack vector leverages the inherent trust users place in legitimate application functions, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through seemingly benign interactions with address book entries or user listings.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input containing script code within the address book or user list fields that are then processed and displayed without proper sanitization. When other users view these compromised entries, the embedded scripts execute in their browser context, potentially stealing session cookies, redirecting to malicious sites, or performing unauthorized actions on behalf of the victims. This type of vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which encompasses social engineering tactics including the use of malicious links or content to compromise systems. The impact extends beyond simple script execution as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access, conduct phishing attacks, or escalate privileges within the application environment. The vulnerability's presence in multiple versions of the software indicates a systemic flaw in the input handling mechanisms that was not properly addressed across the product lifecycle.
The operational implications of this vulnerability are severe for organizations utilizing affected Cybozu Office versions, as it creates a persistent security risk that can be exploited by external threat actors without requiring any special privileges or access credentials. The attack surface is relatively broad since address book and user list functions are commonly used throughout the application, increasing the likelihood of successful exploitation. Organizations may experience data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive information, or complete compromise of user sessions. The vulnerability's remote nature means attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with limited network security controls. Security teams must consider this vulnerability as part of their broader threat landscape assessment, particularly when evaluating the security posture of collaboration and office automation tools within enterprise environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-1335 should prioritize immediate patching of all affected Cybozu Office installations to version 8.1.1 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms at all application interfaces, particularly those handling user-generated content in address book and user list functions. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring and filtering suspicious traffic patterns. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. The implementation of content security policies and proper session management can help reduce the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Security awareness training for users can also help prevent social engineering components that might accompany such vulnerabilities, ensuring that employees understand the risks of interacting with suspicious content in collaborative applications.