CVE-2016-4045 in OX AppSuite
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in Open-Xchange OX App Suite before 7.8.1-rev11. Script code can be embedded to RSS feeds using a URL notation. In case a user clicks the corresponding link at the RSS reader of App Suite, code gets executed at the context of the user. 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.). The attacker needs to reside within the same context to make this attack work.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/08/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-4045 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Open-Xchange OX App Suite platform prior to version 7.8.1-rev11. This security weakness stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of RSS feed content, specifically when processing URL notation within feed entries. The flaw allows malicious actors to embed executable script code within RSS feed entries, which can then be triggered when users interact with these feeds through the App Suite interface. The vulnerability operates under the CWE-79 classification as a cross-site scripting weakness, where untrusted data is improperly incorporated into web page content without proper sanitization mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a sophisticated attack vector that leverages the trust relationship between the user and the RSS reader component of the application. When a user clicks on a maliciously crafted link embedded within an RSS feed, the embedded script code executes within the user's browser context, effectively operating with the same privileges and session credentials as the authenticated user. This context-based execution model enables attackers to perform unauthorized actions that are typically restricted to legitimate users, including session hijacking, unauthorized data access, and manipulation of user interface elements. The attack requires the malicious actor to have access to the same network context as the target user, typically meaning they must be able to inject or control the RSS feed content that the user will encounter.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it enables a range of malicious activities that can compromise user accounts and organizational data integrity. Session hijacking represents one of the most severe consequences, allowing attackers to impersonate legitimate users and gain unauthorized access to sensitive information, email communications, calendar entries, and contact data. Additionally, the vulnerability can be exploited to trigger unwanted actions through the web interface such as sending unauthorized emails, deleting critical data, modifying user permissions, or performing other administrative functions. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that RSS feeds are commonly used for news aggregation, internal communications, and automated content distribution within enterprise environments, making the potential for widespread impact significant.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigation strategies including updating to the patched version 7.8.1-rev11 or later, which addresses the input sanitization issues through enhanced validation of RSS feed content. Network-level defenses such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions can provide additional protection layers by monitoring and blocking suspicious script content in RSS feeds. Security teams should also consider implementing strict access controls and monitoring for unusual user activities that might indicate session hijacking attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1059.007 technique for scripting, specifically targeting the execution of malicious code through web-based interfaces. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their RSS feed consumption practices and implement regular security testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in other web applications that may process untrusted content from external sources.