CVE-2017-15039 in Zurmo
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) exists in Zurmo 3.2.1.57987acc3018 via a data: URL in the redirectUrl parameter to app/index.php/meetings/default/createMeeting.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/06/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15039 represents a cross-site scripting flaw within the Zurmo customer relationship management platform version 3.2.1.57987acc3018. This security weakness manifests through improper input validation and sanitization of the redirectUrl parameter in the meetings/default/createMeeting endpoint, specifically when processing data: URLs. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is a critical web application security flaw that allows attackers to inject malicious client-side scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The issue occurs when the application fails to properly validate or escape user-supplied input before incorporating it into dynamic web content, creating an avenue for malicious code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft a malicious URL containing a data: URI that includes malicious JavaScript code within the redirectUrl parameter. When the vulnerable Zurmo application processes this parameter, it fails to adequately sanitize the input, allowing the embedded script to execute within the context of a victim's browser session. This creates a persistent threat vector where authenticated users could be redirected to malicious content or have their session hijacked. The vulnerability specifically affects the meeting creation functionality, making it particularly dangerous as it could be exploited during routine administrative tasks. The use of data: URLs in this context is significant because these URLs can contain base64 encoded content that can be executed as scripts, bypassing traditional URL validation mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-15039 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable more sophisticated attacks within the context of the targeted web application. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users, or redirect victims to phishing sites that mimic legitimate Zurmo interfaces. The vulnerability's presence in a CRM system like Zurmo creates additional risk as it could provide access to sensitive customer data, business communications, and administrative functions. The attack surface is particularly concerning because meetings are often used for business-critical communications, and compromising this functionality could lead to information disclosure or system compromise. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for scripting and T1566.001 for spearphishing with attachments, as it enables both client-side code execution and social engineering through manipulated meeting invitations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-15039 should prioritize immediate input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in redirect operations. Organizations should implement strict validation of URL formats, rejecting any input that contains data: URLs or other potentially dangerous URI schemes. The recommended approach involves implementing a whitelist-based validation system that only accepts known-safe URL formats and properly escaping all dynamic content before rendering. Security patches should be applied immediately to upgrade to a patched version of Zurmo, as this vulnerability has been addressed in subsequent releases. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing content security policies that restrict script execution and monitor for suspicious URL patterns in their web application firewalls. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of defense-in-depth strategies and proper input validation as outlined in OWASP Top Ten categories and NIST cybersecurity frameworks, emphasizing that even seemingly benign functionality can serve as attack vectors when proper security controls are not implemented.