CVE-2022-4558 in SOGo
Summary
by MITRE • 12/16/2022
A vulnerability was found in Alinto SOGo up to 5.7.1. It has been classified as problematic. This affects an unknown part of the file SoObjects/SOGo/NSString+Utilities.m of the component Folder/Mail Handler. The manipulation leads to cross site scripting. It is possible to initiate the attack remotely. Upgrading to version 5.8.0 is able to address this issue. The name of the patch is 1e0f5f00890f751e84d67be4f139dd7f00faa5f3. It is recommended to upgrade the affected component. The identifier VDB-215961 was assigned to this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/13/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-4558 represents a cross-site scripting flaw within the Alinto SOGo email server software, specifically affecting versions up to 5.7.1. This vulnerability resides in the SoObjects/SOGo/NSString+Utilities.m file within the Folder/Mail Handler component, demonstrating how seemingly minor utility functions can introduce significant security risks. The flaw allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web interfaces that could be executed in the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or unauthorized administrative actions. The vulnerability has been classified as problematic due to its potential for remote exploitation, making it particularly dangerous in internet-facing email server environments.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization within the NSString+Utilities.m file, which processes string operations for folder and mail handling functionalities. When user-supplied data is not properly escaped or validated before being rendered in web interfaces, attackers can inject malicious JavaScript payloads that execute in the context of legitimate users' browsers. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or network privileges to launch attacks, making the vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations relying on SOGo for email services.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to compromise user sessions and potentially gain elevated privileges within the email system. In a corporate email environment, this could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive communications, data exfiltration, or the ability to send malicious emails from compromised accounts. The vulnerability affects the core mail handling functionality of SOGo, which is critical for email server operations, and could disrupt business continuity while providing attackers with persistent access to the email infrastructure. Organizations running vulnerable versions face increased risk of data breaches and regulatory compliance violations, particularly in environments subject to privacy regulations like GDPR or HIPAA.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to SOGo version 5.8.0, which contains the patch identified by the commit hash 1e0f5f00890f751e84d67be4f139dd7f00faa5f3. This upgrade addresses the root cause by implementing proper input validation and output sanitization mechanisms within the affected NSString+Utilities.m file. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security measures such as content security policies, input filtering at the web application firewall level, and regular security assessments of their email infrastructure. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1566.001 highlights its potential for initial access through malicious web content, emphasizing the need for comprehensive email security controls including spam filtering, email encryption, and user education programs to reduce the attack surface and prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future.