CVE-2016-5761 in Novell Groupwise
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Novell GroupWise before 2014 R2 Service Pack 1 Hot Patch 1 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a crafted email.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/14/2022
The CVE-2016-5761 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in Novell GroupWise email client software prior to version 2014 R2 Service Pack 1 Hot Patch 1. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting and operates as a server-side injection attack that enables remote code execution through web-based interfaces. The flaw specifically affects the email rendering functionality of GroupWise, which processes incoming email messages and displays them within the web client interface. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious email messages containing specially formatted script code that gets executed when recipients view the email in their GroupWise web interface. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages the trust relationship between the email client and its users, allowing attackers to bypass normal security controls that would otherwise prevent malicious code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the GroupWise web client's HTML sanitization and rendering engine. When users access their email through the web interface, the application processes the email content without proper input validation or output encoding, allowing malicious scripts embedded in email headers, body content, or attachments to execute in the context of the user's browser session. The vulnerability is classified as a persistent XSS attack since the malicious code remains embedded in the email message and executes every time the email is viewed, rather than requiring a single interaction to trigger the attack. This behavior aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for Initial Access through Spearphishing Attachment, where attackers use email-based payloads to establish malicious execution environments.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-5761 extends beyond simple script injection, creating potential for more sophisticated attacks including session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of the authenticated user's session, potentially allowing them to access sensitive email content, modify email settings, or even escalate privileges within the GroupWise environment. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on GroupWise for email communication, particularly those with web-based email access, as it undermines the fundamental security assumptions of email client applications. Organizations may experience unauthorized access to confidential business communications, potential compliance violations, and reputational damage from successful exploitation attempts.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate application of the vendor-provided patch, which addresses the input validation issues in GroupWise's web client rendering engine. Organizations should also implement network-level protections such as email filtering systems that can detect and block malicious email content before it reaches end users, alongside browser-based security controls including content security policies and XSS protection mechanisms. Security monitoring should focus on detecting anomalous email traffic patterns and suspicious web access logs from GroupWise interfaces. Additionally, user education regarding email safety practices, including avoiding suspicious attachments and links, should complement technical controls. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of the patch in controlled environments before deployment to production systems, ensuring that the fix does not introduce compatibility issues with existing GroupWise configurations or third-party integrations. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls specifically designed to protect GroupWise web interfaces from similar injection attacks.