Source: cve@mitre.org
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in webacc in Novell GroupWise WebAccess before 7 Support Pack 3 Public Beta allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) User.html, (2) Error, (3) User.Theme.index, and (4) and User.lang parameters.
Novell GroupWise WebAccess is vulnerable to multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks, allowing remote attackers to inject malicious scripts into user sessions. This vulnerability, present in versions prior to 7 Support Pack 3 Public Beta, could lead to account compromise, data theft, and website defacement. Exploitation requires no authentication, posing a significant risk to organizations using the affected software.
Step 1: Payload Delivery: The attacker crafts a malicious URL containing a JavaScript payload within one of the vulnerable parameters (User.html, Error, User.Theme.index, or User.lang).
Step 2: User Interaction: The attacker lures a legitimate user to click the crafted URL, often through phishing or social engineering techniques.
Step 3: Server Processing: The GroupWise WebAccess server receives the request containing the malicious payload.
Step 4: Vulnerable Parameter Rendering: The server processes the request and, due to the lack of proper input validation and output encoding, includes the attacker's injected JavaScript or HTML code in the response.
Step 5: Browser Execution: The user's web browser receives the response and executes the injected malicious code within the context of the user's session.
Step 6: Exploitation: The attacker's JavaScript code executes, potentially stealing cookies, redirecting the user, or performing other malicious actions.
The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding within the GroupWise WebAccess application. Specifically, the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data passed through the User.html, Error, User.Theme.index, and User.lang parameters. This allows attackers to inject malicious JavaScript or HTML code. When the application renders these parameters, the injected code is executed within the context of the user's browser, enabling attackers to steal cookies, redirect users to phishing sites, or execute arbitrary actions on behalf of the user. The root cause is a lack of proper input validation and output encoding (e.g., HTML escaping) when handling user-supplied data in the specified parameters. This allows for the injection of malicious code that is then executed by the user's browser.
While no specific APTs are directly linked to this specific CVE, the nature of XSS vulnerabilities makes them attractive to a wide range of attackers, including those seeking to establish initial access, steal credentials, or conduct phishing campaigns. CISA KEV status: Not Listed. However, the age and nature of the vulnerability make it a potential target for opportunistic attacks and botnet exploitation.
Network Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) can be configured to detect malicious payloads within HTTP requests targeting the vulnerable parameters (User.html, Error, User.Theme.index, and User.lang). Look for suspicious JavaScript or HTML code within these parameters.
Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) can be deployed to filter malicious requests before they reach the vulnerable application. Configure the WAF to block requests containing XSS payloads.
Review web server logs for unusual HTTP requests containing suspicious payloads in the specified parameters. Look for patterns of repeated requests or requests originating from unusual IP addresses.
Monitor user activity for unexpected behavior, such as redirects, suspicious login attempts, or unauthorized access to sensitive data. Analyze browser history for unusual URLs or activity.
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) systems can be used to detect the execution of malicious scripts on client machines, such as the use of JavaScript eval() or innerHTML to inject malicious code.
Upgrade to Novell GroupWise WebAccess 7 Support Pack 3 Public Beta or later. This is the primary and most effective remediation step.
Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to filter malicious requests and block XSS payloads.
Apply input validation and output encoding to all user-supplied data. Specifically, ensure that the application properly sanitizes and encodes data passed through the vulnerable parameters.
Regularly scan the web application for vulnerabilities using automated scanning tools.
Educate users about the risks of phishing and social engineering attacks. Train users to recognize and avoid suspicious links and emails.
Implement a Content Security Policy (CSP) to restrict the sources from which the browser can load resources, mitigating the impact of XSS attacks.