CVE-2013-1651 in Server
Summary
by MITRE
OXUpdater in Open-Xchange Server before 6.20.7 rev14, 6.22.0 before rev13, and 6.22.1 before rev14 does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof update servers and install arbitrary software via a crafted certificate.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-1651 resides within the OXUpdater component of Open-Xchange Server software, a widely deployed email and collaboration platform used by numerous organizations worldwide. This security flaw represents a critical weakness in the software's certificate validation mechanism, specifically affecting versions prior to 6.20.7 rev14, 6.22.0 rev13, and 6.22.1 rev14. The issue fundamentally compromises the integrity of the software update process by failing to properly validate X.509 certificates from SSL servers during the update verification phase. This failure creates a significant attack vector that enables malicious actors to execute sophisticated man-in-the-middle attacks against the update infrastructure.
The technical flaw manifests as a complete absence of certificate verification within the OXUpdater module, which operates under the assumption that all SSL connections are legitimate without performing cryptographic validation of the server certificates presented. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-295, which addresses "Improper Certificate Validation," and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1566.001 for "Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment" in the context of update server compromise. When an attacker successfully intercepts the update communication channel, they can present a forged certificate that appears legitimate to the vulnerable client, thereby enabling them to masquerade as authorized update servers. The certificate forgery allows the attacker to deliver malicious payloads that are then executed with the privileges of the Open-Xchange Server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple software update tampering, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of organizations relying on Open-Xchange Server deployments. Attackers exploiting this weakness can install arbitrary software, including backdoors, malware, or additional malicious components, without detection by the system administrators. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects the update mechanism itself, meaning that legitimate security patches cannot be properly delivered or verified, creating a persistent security gap that attackers can exploit repeatedly. Organizations using affected versions face the risk of complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within their networks, as the compromised server becomes a potential launching point for further attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-1651 require immediate action to upgrade affected Open-Xchange Server installations to versions that properly implement certificate validation. System administrators should prioritize patching all affected systems and verify that the update process properly validates SSL certificates before accepting and installing updates. Network administrators should implement additional monitoring to detect unusual update activity or connections to unauthorized servers. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security practices and proper certificate management procedures, aligning with industry standards such as those outlined in NIST SP 800-57 for cryptographic key management and the OWASP Top Ten for secure coding practices. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and additional security controls to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities in their environments.