CVE-2023-41704 in OX App Suite
Summary
by MITRE • 02/12/2024
Processing of CID references at E-Mail can be abused to inject malicious script code that passes the sanitization engine. Malicious script code could be injected to a users sessions when interacting with E-Mails. Please deploy the provided updates and patch releases. CID handing has been improved and resulting content is checked for malicious content. No publicly available exploits are known.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/20/2025
This vulnerability represents a sophisticated cross-site scripting attack vector through email systems that leverages CID (Content Identifier) references to bypass security sanitization mechanisms. The flaw exists in how email processing systems handle content identifiers, particularly when these identifiers reference external resources that can be manipulated to inject malicious scripts. The vulnerability operates by exploiting the way email clients parse and process CID references, which are typically used for embedding images and other media within email messages. When a malicious actor crafts an email containing specially formatted CID references, these can be manipulated to execute unauthorized scripts in the context of a user's email session.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of improper input validation and sanitization processes within email handling systems. Email clients and servers that process CID references fail to adequately validate the content or origin of these identifiers, allowing attackers to craft payloads that appear legitimate but contain embedded malicious code. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which describes cross-site scripting flaws, and specifically relates to CWE-601 which addresses URL redirection and forward references. The vulnerability enables attackers to execute code in the victim's browser context, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further compromise of the user's email environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it creates persistent security risks for email users and organizations. When users interact with malicious emails containing crafted CID references, the injected scripts can establish persistent sessions that allow attackers to maintain access to compromised accounts. This represents a significant threat to email security and user privacy, as the attack can be executed without requiring user interaction beyond opening the email. The vulnerability creates a direct pathway for attackers to escalate privileges and access sensitive information, potentially leading to broader network compromise through email-based attack vectors. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1566 which covers spearphishing attacks, and T1190 which addresses exploitation of vulnerabilities in email clients.
The remediation strategy focuses on improving CID handling mechanisms and implementing more robust content validation processes. Security updates typically involve enhanced sanitization routines that properly validate CID references and their associated content, ensuring that any embedded scripts are properly neutralized before being processed by email clients. The patch releases address the root cause by implementing stricter validation of content identifiers and improving the detection of potentially malicious content within email messages. Organizations should prioritize deploying these updates immediately, as the vulnerability does not require complex exploitation techniques and can be leveraged by threat actors with basic knowledge of email security mechanisms. Additionally, implementing email security solutions that provide advanced threat detection and content filtering can provide additional layers of protection against similar vulnerabilities in the future.