CVE-2017-12322 in Registered Envelope Service
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple vulnerabilities in the web interface of the Cisco Registered Envelope Service (a cloud-based service) could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to conduct a cross-site scripting (XSS) attack or redirect a user of the affected service to an undesired web page. The vulnerabilities are due to insufficient validation of user-supplied input by the web-based management interface of the affected service. An attacker could exploit these vulnerabilities by persuading a user to click a malicious link or by sending an HTTP request that could cause the affected service to redirect the request to a specified malicious URL. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary script code in the context of the web interface of the affected system or allow the attacker to access sensitive browser-based information on the affected system. These types of exploits could also be used in phishing attacks that send users to malicious websites without their knowledge. Cisco Bug IDs: CSCve77195, CSCve90978, CSCvf42310, CSCvf42703, CSCvf42723, CSCvf46169, CSCvf49999.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/24/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-12322 affects Cisco Registered Envelope Service, a cloud-based email encryption and delivery platform that enables secure communication between organizations. This service operates as a web interface that allows users to manage encrypted email communications, making it a critical component in enterprise security infrastructure. The affected system provides a web-based management interface that handles user interactions and administrative functions, creating multiple potential entry points for malicious actors. The vulnerability landscape is particularly concerning given that the service is designed to protect sensitive communications, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking to compromise enterprise security.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate input validation within the web interface of the Cisco Registered Envelope Service, specifically manifesting as cross-site scripting vulnerabilities categorized under CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation. The insufficient validation allows malicious input to be processed and rendered without proper sanitization, creating conditions where attacker-controlled data can be executed as script code within the victim's browser context. Multiple instances of this vulnerability exist across different components of the web interface, as evidenced by the associated Cisco Bug IDs that document various attack vectors and exploitation methods. The vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they do not require authentication, making them accessible to any remote attacker who can influence user behavior.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, creating conditions for sophisticated phishing attacks and unauthorized data access. Attackers can exploit these flaws by crafting malicious links that, when clicked by authenticated users, execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the victim's browser session. This capability allows for session hijacking, credential theft, and access to sensitive browser-based information that users might have stored in their browsers. The redirect functionality provides additional attack vectors where users might be unknowingly directed to malicious websites that can harvest additional credentials or deploy additional malware. The implications are particularly severe for enterprise environments where the service handles sensitive corporate communications and data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-12322 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems, as Cisco has released security updates addressing these vulnerabilities. Organizations should implement network-level controls to monitor and filter potentially malicious traffic, particularly focusing on HTTP requests that might contain XSS payloads or suspicious redirect parameters. Web application firewalls can provide additional protection by filtering malicious input before it reaches the vulnerable web interface components. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected service and ensure complete remediation across all deployments. User awareness training programs should be enhanced to help personnel recognize potentially malicious links and redirects, while incident response procedures should be updated to address potential exploitation scenarios involving these vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework categorizes these exploits under T1059.007 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript and T1566.001 - Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment, highlighting the multi-faceted nature of the attack vectors available to threat actors.