CVE-2017-16908 in Horde Groupware
Summary
by MITRE
In Horde Groupware 5.2.19, there is XSS via the Name field during creation of a new Resource. This can be leveraged for remote code execution after compromising an administrator account, because the CVE-2015-7984 CSRF protection mechanism can then be bypassed.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2017-16908 represents a cross-site scripting flaw in Horde Groupware version 5.2.19 that occurs during the resource creation process through the Name field. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, specifically manifesting as a reflected XSS attack vector that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web applications. The flaw exists within the web application's input validation mechanisms, where user-supplied data from the Name field is not properly sanitized before being rendered back to users, creating an opportunity for attackers to execute malicious code in the context of a victim's browser session.
The security implications extend beyond simple XSS exploitation due to the specific context in which this vulnerability occurs. During resource creation, attackers can inject malicious scripts that will execute when other users view the resource information. This vulnerability becomes particularly dangerous when combined with other exploits, as demonstrated by its relationship to CVE-2015-7984 which addresses CSRF protection mechanisms. The vulnerability creates a pathway for attackers to bypass existing security controls, making it a critical concern for organizations using this version of Horde Groupware.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides attackers with a potential entry point for more sophisticated attacks. When an attacker successfully compromises an administrator account, they can leverage this XSS vulnerability to bypass the CSRF protection mechanisms that were previously in place, effectively undermining the security posture of the application. This creates a scenario where attackers can escalate privileges and gain deeper access to system resources, potentially leading to full system compromise or data exfiltration.
The exploitation of this vulnerability typically involves crafting malicious payloads that are injected into the Name field during resource creation, which are then executed when the resource information is displayed to other users. This type of attack aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers can execute malicious code through the browser environment. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and inadequate output encoding, which are fundamental security weaknesses that should be addressed through proper security development lifecycle practices and adherence to secure coding standards.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and output encoding controls to prevent script injection attacks, while also ensuring that all users are properly authenticated and authorized before performing administrative actions. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing comprehensive security monitoring to detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across their application portfolio, particularly focusing on web application security controls that prevent cross-site scripting and privilege escalation attacks.