CVE-2020-35741 in MailSherlock
Summary
by MITRE • 12/31/2020
HGiga MailSherlock does not validate user parameters on multiple login pages. Attackers can use the vulnerability to inject JavaScript syntax for XSS attacks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/31/2020
The vulnerability identified in HGiga MailSherlock represents a critical cross-site scripting weakness that stems from inadequate input validation across multiple authentication interfaces. This flaw falls under the CWE-79 category, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities where user-supplied data is not properly sanitized before being rendered in web pages. The absence of parameter validation on login pages creates an exploitable attack surface that allows malicious actors to inject malicious javascript code directly through form fields or URL parameters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary javascript code within the context of authenticated sessions, potentially compromising user credentials and sensitive data. When user input is directly reflected in web responses without proper sanitization or encoding, it creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate the application's behavior and gain unauthorized access to user accounts. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in authentication contexts because successful exploitation can lead to complete account takeover scenarios.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the mail system by potentially allowing unauthorized access to email communications and personal information stored within the application. The attack surface expands significantly since multiple login pages are affected, increasing the probability of successful exploitation and reducing the effort required for attackers to find vulnerable entry points. The implications extend beyond individual account compromise to potential mass credential theft and data exfiltration.
Security professionals should implement comprehensive input validation mechanisms across all user-facing interfaces including login forms, search fields, and any other areas where user data is processed or displayed. The recommended mitigations include implementing strict output encoding for all dynamic content, utilizing Content Security Policy headers, and applying proper parameter validation techniques such as allowlisting of acceptable input patterns. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1212 which focuses on exploiting weaknesses in software to gain unauthorized access to systems. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities across their application portfolio, ensuring that all user inputs are properly validated and sanitized before being processed or rendered within the application environment.