CVE-2012-0272 in GroupWise
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the WebAccess component in Novell GroupWise 8.0 before Support Pack 3 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the merge parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/14/2021
The CVE-2012-0272 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within Novell GroupWise 8.0's WebAccess component prior to Support Pack 3, exposing organizations to significant web application security risks. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, specifically manifesting as a reflected XSS attack vector that enables malicious actors to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content into the application's response. The flaw is particularly concerning because it affects the merge parameter, which is commonly used in email and document processing functionalities within GroupWise's web interface. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious URLs containing script payloads that are then executed in the context of other users' browsers when they access the compromised merge parameter.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding within the WebAccess component's handling of the merge parameter. When the application processes user-supplied data through this parameter without proper sanitization, it fails to escape special characters that could be interpreted as HTML or JavaScript code. This creates an environment where malicious payloads can be seamlessly integrated into the web application's response, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code within the victim's browser session. The vulnerability is classified as a remote attack vector since no local access or authentication is required to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with web-accessible GroupWise installations.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-0272 extends beyond simple data theft or defacement, as it enables attackers to establish persistent access to user sessions and potentially escalate privileges within the GroupWise environment. Successful exploitation could allow threat actors to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or inject malware directly into user browsers. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that could be leveraged for advanced persistent threat campaigns, where attackers might use the compromised web interface to gain unauthorized access to sensitive email communications, calendar data, and contact information stored within GroupWise. This risk is amplified by the fact that GroupWise serves as a corporate email and collaboration platform, making it a valuable target for enterprise security breaches.
Organizations should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability, beginning with immediate deployment of Novell's official Support Pack 3 which contains the necessary patches and code modifications to address the XSS flaw. Network-based security controls including web application firewalls and content filtering systems should be configured to monitor and block suspicious requests containing known XSS payload patterns. Input validation mechanisms should be strengthened to ensure all user-supplied data through the merge parameter undergoes rigorous sanitization and encoding before being processed or displayed. Security awareness training for administrators and end-users should emphasize the dangers of clicking untrusted links and the importance of keeping GroupWise installations updated with the latest security patches. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities within their email infrastructure and web applications, following ATT&CK framework guidance for identifying and mitigating web-based attack vectors that leverage reflected XSS vulnerabilities.