CVE-2021-33495 in OX App Suite
Summary
by MITRE • 11/22/2021
OX App Suite 7.10.5 allows XSS via an OX Chat system message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/25/2021
The vulnerability CVE-2021-33495 represents a cross-site scripting flaw in OX App Suite version 7.10.5 that specifically affects the OX Chat system message functionality. This issue enables attackers to inject malicious scripts into chat messages that are subsequently executed in the context of other users' browsers when they view the compromised system messages. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization within the chat message processing pipeline, creating an attack surface where untrusted data enters the application without proper escaping or encoding mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of chat system messages that are displayed to other users within the OX App Suite environment. When a malicious actor crafts a specially formatted message containing script tags or other malicious code within the chat system's message handling functionality, the application fails to properly sanitize this input before rendering it in the user interface. This allows the injected scripts to execute in the victim's browser context, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or other malicious activities. The flaw aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities resulting from improper output encoding or sanitization of user-supplied data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can be leveraged to compromise entire user sessions within the OX App Suite environment. Attackers could potentially steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious websites, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. The vulnerability affects all users within the chat functionality who are logged into the application, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where chat systems are frequently used for collaboration and communication. This type of vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers social engineering tactics involving malicious messages or communications that can lead to unauthorized access or data compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-33495 should focus on implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the chat message processing components. Organizations should apply the vendor-provided security patches or updates that address this specific vulnerability. Additionally, implementing content security policies, proper HTML escaping for all user-generated content, and regular security testing of input validation mechanisms can help prevent similar issues. Network monitoring and anomaly detection systems should be configured to identify unusual chat message patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of securing real-time communication channels within enterprise applications, as these systems often serve as attack vectors for broader security breaches.