CVE-2016-3173 in OX AppSuite
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in Open-Xchange OX AppSuite before 7.8.0-rev27. The aria-label parameter of tiles at the Portal can be used to inject script code. Those labels use the name of the file (e.g. an image) which gets displayed at the portal application. Using script code at the file name leads to script execution. Malicious script code can be executed within a user's context. This can lead to session hijacking or triggering unwanted actions via the web interface (sending mail, deleting data etc.). Users actively need to add a file to the portal to enable this attack. In case of shared files however, a internal attacker may modify a previously embedded file to carry a malicious file name. Furthermore this vulnerability can be used to persistently execute code that got injected by a temporary script execution vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/08/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-3173 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within Open-Xchange OX AppSuite versions prior to 7.8.0-rev27, classified under CWE-79 as improper neutralization of input during web page generation. This vulnerability specifically targets the aria-label parameter handling within portal tiles, creating an avenue for malicious script injection through file naming conventions. The flaw exploits the application's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input when processing file names that are subsequently rendered as aria-label attributes in the portal interface.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when users upload files to the portal application, where the filename becomes embedded as the aria-label parameter for the corresponding tile element. When an attacker crafts a malicious filename containing script code, this code gets executed within the context of a victim user's browser session. The attack requires user interaction to add the malicious file to the portal, but the vulnerability becomes more dangerous when considering shared file scenarios where internal attackers can modify existing embedded files to include malicious naming. This creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited through temporary script execution vulnerabilities to achieve long-term code persistence.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-3173 extends beyond simple script execution, presenting significant risks for session hijacking and unauthorized actions within the application interface. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform actions such as sending emails, deleting data, or manipulating user sessions without proper authorization. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically targeting web-based scripting environments. The vulnerability's persistence capability makes it particularly dangerous as it can be used to establish backdoors or maintain access even after initial exploitation, as noted in ATT&CK technique T1505.003 for server software component.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term prevention measures. The primary solution involves upgrading to Open-Xchange OX AppSuite version 7.8.0-rev27 or later, which implements proper input sanitization for aria-label parameters. Organizations should also implement strict file naming policies that prevent the use of script code in filenames and establish robust input validation at multiple layers of the application. Network-based protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious payloads, while regular security assessments should verify that all user-uploaded content undergoes proper sanitization before being rendered in the portal interface. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation in web applications and aligns with security best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten Project, specifically addressing the prevention of cross-site scripting vulnerabilities through proper output encoding and input sanitization techniques.