CVE-2017-1000049 in RoundCube
Summary
by MITRE
Roundcube Webmail 1.1.5 is vulnerable to Persistent Xss
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/12/2022
Roundcube Webmail version 1.1.5 contains a persistent cross-site scripting vulnerability that allows remote attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. This vulnerability specifically affects the application's handling of user input within the web interface, where insufficient output encoding and validation mechanisms fail to properly sanitize data before rendering. The flaw exists in the application's message composition and display functionality, where user-supplied content can be manipulated to include malicious javascript code that persists in the application's database or session storage. When other users access the affected pages or view messages containing the malicious payload, the injected scripts execute in their browser context, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or further exploitation of the victim's system. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category for Cross-site Scripting, specifically classified as persistent XSS where the malicious script is stored on the server and executed whenever users access the affected content. The attack vector typically involves an attacker sending crafted emails with malicious script payloads to a victim's inbox, or exploiting administrative functions to inject scripts into shared interfaces. The operational impact includes potential unauthorized access to sensitive email communications, compromise of user sessions, and possible lateral movement within network environments where email systems are integrated. The vulnerability represents a significant risk to organizations relying on Roundcube Webmail for email services, as it can be exploited to gain persistent access to user accounts and potentially escalate privileges. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1531 for Account Access Removal, as attackers can leverage the XSS to establish persistent access and potentially manipulate user accounts. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching to address this vulnerability, as the persistent nature of the flaw means that once exploited, the malicious scripts can continue to execute against all affected users until the underlying code is corrected. The remediation process requires implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly sanitized before being stored or displayed in the web interface. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing content security policies and regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other web applications that may be susceptible to similar persistent XSS attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper data sanitization and input validation in web applications, particularly those handling sensitive user communications and data.