CVE-2013-5118 in Good for Enterprise iOS
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Good for Enterprise app before 2.2.4.1659 for iOS allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via an HTML e-mail message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/18/2024
The CVE-2013-5118 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Good for Enterprise mobile application ecosystem, specifically affecting versions prior to 2.2.4.1659 on iOS platforms. This vulnerability resides in the email message processing functionality of the enterprise mobility management solution, which is designed to secure corporate communications and data access across mobile devices. The flaw emerges from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the email rendering component, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML code directly into email messages. The vulnerability specifically targets the mobile application's handling of HTML-formatted emails, where the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied content before displaying it to end users.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of HTML email content that bypasses normal security controls implemented by the Good for Enterprise application. Attackers can craft malicious email messages containing embedded script tags or HTML elements that execute when the targeted user opens the email within the vulnerable application. The flaw operates at the application layer where user input is processed without adequate sanitization, creating a classic XSS attack vector that allows for session hijacking, data exfiltration, or redirection to malicious websites. This vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in web applications and mobile platforms, representing a fundamental weakness in input validation and output encoding practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it enables sophisticated attack scenarios that can compromise enterprise security postures. When an authenticated user opens a malicious email, the injected scripts can access the application's session cookies, potentially allowing attackers to impersonate legitimate users within the enterprise environment. The vulnerability also poses risks for data theft, as malicious scripts could capture user credentials or extract sensitive information from the application's memory. Additionally, attackers could leverage this vulnerability to redirect users to phishing sites or deploy additional malware within the mobile device environment, creating a persistent threat vector that undermines the security guarantees provided by the enterprise mobility management solution.
Organizations utilizing Good for Enterprise software should implement immediate remediation measures including mandatory application updates to version 2.2.4.1659 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the XSS vulnerability. Network administrators should consider implementing email filtering solutions that can detect and block suspicious HTML content, while also monitoring for unusual user behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The mitigation strategy should include user education about the risks of opening untrusted email messages and implementing strict access controls for sensitive data within the mobile environment. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to technique T1566.001 for initial access through spearphishing attachments and T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage. Regular security assessments should be conducted to ensure proper patch management and to validate that email content is properly sanitized before processing. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security controls in enterprise mobility environments where mobile devices serve as primary access points to corporate resources.