CVE-2016-5663 in Kiteworks
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in oauth_callback.php on Accellion Kiteworks appliances before kw2016.03.00 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) code, (2) error, or (3) error_description parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/01/2024
The CVE-2016-5663 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in the Accellion Kiteworks appliance software, specifically affecting versions prior to kw2016.03.00. This vulnerability resides within the oauth_callback.php script which serves as a crucial component in the authentication and authorization processes of the system. The affected software platform is widely used for secure file transfer and collaboration services in enterprise environments, making this vulnerability particularly concerning from a cybersecurity perspective.
The technical flaw manifests through three distinct parameter injection points within the oauth_callback.php script where attackers can manipulate the code, error, and error_description parameters. These parameters are typically used during the OAuth authentication flow to handle successful authentication responses and error conditions. When user-supplied input is not properly sanitized or validated before being processed and returned to the browser, it creates an opportunity for malicious script execution. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding practices, allowing attackers to inject malicious HTML or JavaScript code that executes in the context of authenticated users' browsers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables remote attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities through the compromised authentication flow. Attackers could potentially steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious websites, deface the application interface, or even execute arbitrary commands within the user's browser context. Given that Kiteworks appliances are commonly deployed in sensitive enterprise environments handling confidential data, successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized data access, privilege escalation, and potential lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability particularly affects users who are authenticated to the system, making it a significant concern for organizations relying on the platform for secure file sharing and collaboration.
From a cybersecurity standards perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to CWE-79: Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which is a fundamental weakness in web application security. The flaw also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007: Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, as it enables attackers to execute malicious JavaScript code in user browsers. Additionally, the vulnerability demonstrates characteristics of T1566: Phishing, as attackers could craft malicious OAuth callbacks to trick users into executing harmful scripts. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation mechanisms, output encoding, and proper parameter sanitization to address this vulnerability. The recommended remediation includes updating to Kiteworks version kw2016.03.00 or later, implementing web application firewalls, and conducting regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in the authentication and authorization components of their systems.