CVE-2013-5698 in Server
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Open-Xchange AppSuite and Server before 6.22.0 rev16, 6.22.1 before rev19, 7.0.1 before rev7, 7.0.2 before rev11, and 7.2.0 before rev8 allows remote authenticated users to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a delivery=view action, aka Bug ID 26373, a different vulnerability than CVE-2013-3106.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/01/2019
The CVE-2013-5698 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in Open-Xchange AppSuite and Server versions prior to specific revision milestones. This vulnerability specifically affects systems running versions before 6.22.0 rev16, 6.22.1 rev19, 7.0.1 rev7, 7.0.2 rev11, and 7.2.0 rev8, making it a widespread issue across multiple product lines. The flaw manifests through the delivery=view action parameter, which serves as an injection vector for malicious web scripts or HTML content. This vulnerability was catalogued under Bug ID 26373 and is distinct from the related CVE-2013-3106, indicating it represents a separate attack surface within the same software ecosystem. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in web applications, where improper input validation allows malicious code execution in users' browsers.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when authenticated users with valid credentials access the delivery=view action within the Open-Xchange system. Attackers can leverage this authenticated access to inject malicious scripts that persist within the application's delivery handling mechanism. The injection typically occurs through parameters manipulated during the view action, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of other users' sessions. This authentication requirement makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by insiders or compromised accounts, potentially leading to broader system compromise. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple script execution to include session hijacking, data theft, and potential privilege escalation within the application's user management system.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-5698 is substantial for organizations utilizing Open-Xchange systems, as it enables attackers to execute malicious code in the browsers of authenticated users. This creates a persistent threat vector that can be used to harvest session cookies, capture user credentials, or redirect users to malicious websites. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of email delivery and viewing within the application, potentially allowing attackers to modify or intercept email content, access sensitive communications, or manipulate user preferences. Organizations with multiple users and complex email workflows face increased risk, as a single compromised account can lead to widespread exploitation. The vulnerability's presence in multiple version streams suggests it was a fundamental flaw in the application's input handling mechanisms rather than a temporary coding error.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-5698 primarily involve immediate patching of affected systems to versions that address the XSS vulnerability. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent similar issues in future deployments. Network segmentation and privileged account monitoring can help limit the damage from potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts and implement web application firewalls to detect and block malicious injection attempts. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that the patch does not introduce compatibility issues with existing email workflows or user configurations. Additionally, organizations should review their access control mechanisms to minimize the impact of compromised accounts and implement multi-factor authentication for privileged users to reduce the attack surface.