CVE-2022-43698 in OX App Suite
Summary
by MITRE • 04/15/2023
OX App Suite before 7.10.6-rev30 allows SSRF because changing a POP3 account disregards the deny-list.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/03/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-43698 affects OX App Suite versions prior to 7.10.6-rev30 and represents a significant server-side request forgery flaw that undermines the security controls designed to protect against unauthorized network access. This vulnerability specifically manifests when users attempt to modify POP3 account configurations within the application, where the system fails to properly enforce the deny-list restrictions that should prevent connections to internal network resources or restricted domains.
The technical implementation of this flaw stems from inadequate input validation and access control mechanisms within the POP3 account management functionality. When administrators or users modify POP3 account settings, the application does not properly validate or filter the server addresses and ports specified in the configuration, allowing malicious actors to bypass the intended security boundaries that should prevent connections to internal systems. This represents a classic server-side request forgery vulnerability where an attacker can manipulate the application to make unauthorized requests to internal services that would normally be restricted.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple network reconnaissance, as it enables attackers to potentially access internal network resources that should remain isolated from external exposure. Attackers could leverage this flaw to probe internal services, access sensitive data stored on internal servers, or even escalate their privileges by targeting vulnerable internal components that are not directly exposed to the internet. The vulnerability essentially removes the protective barriers that should exist between the application's network access and the internal infrastructure, creating a pathway for lateral movement and information disclosure.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-918, which specifically addresses server-side request forgery, and maps to attack techniques within the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1071.004 for application layer protocol and T1046 for network service scanning. The flaw demonstrates a critical failure in the principle of least privilege and proper access control enforcement, where the application's configuration management does not adequately validate user inputs against established security policies. Organizations utilizing OX App Suite in environments where internal network segmentation is critical must consider this vulnerability as a potential entry point for attackers seeking to expand their access within the network infrastructure.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to OX App Suite version 7.10.6-rev30 or later, which includes the necessary patches to properly enforce the deny-list restrictions during POP3 account configuration changes. Additionally, network administrators should implement additional monitoring and logging of account configuration changes to detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also review their network segmentation policies and ensure that any internal services accessible through this vulnerability are properly protected with additional layers of authentication and access controls. The fix addresses the root cause by implementing proper input validation and ensuring that all network access attempts are properly filtered against the established security boundaries.