External risk intelligence

Roundcube Webmail Cross-Site Scripting Vulnerability

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2023-43770

A vulnerability in Roundcube webmail allows for cross-site scripting through crafted links in plain text emails, potentially exposing data. This impacts organizations using the affected webmail system, posing a risk of unauthorized access to sensitive information.

5Halo Surface Signal

Cross-site Scripting

Roundcube Webmail

before 1.4.141.5.0 to before 1.5.41.6.0 to before 1.6.310.0

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2023-43770

Roundcube is a webmail application designed to be accessed via a web browser over the internet, making it a public-facing service by design in normal deployment scenarios.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

Roundcube webmail is affected by a cross-site scripting vulnerability. This flaw occurs when handling plain text emails containing specially crafted links. The vulnerability could allow unauthorized parties to inject malicious scripts into the webmail interface.

  • Vulnerable component: Roundcube webmail
  • Core weakness: Flawed handling of crafted links
  • Main business impact: Potential data exposure

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This vulnerability allows for cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks through specially crafted text-based email messages. An attacker can leverage this by sending an email containing a malicious link that, when processed by the affected system, can execute arbitrary code within the user's browser session. This could lead to unauthorized access to user data or session hijacking.

  • Exposure of the webmail application to the internet.
  • An attacker sends a crafted email.
  • User interaction with the malicious link.
  • Potential for unauthorized data access.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability presents a significant risk to organizations using affected Roundcube webmail versions. Attackers with moderate technical skill could exploit this to inject malicious scripts into the webmail interface. This could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information or disruption of services. The known exploitability of this vulnerability suggests it should be treated with high urgency.

  • Attackers with moderate skill.
  • Publicly accessible webmail interface.
  • High business risk and urgency.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

A vulnerability exists in Roundcube Webmail that could allow for cross-site scripting. This could lead to the disclosure of information through crafted links in plain text emails. Organizations should prioritize addressing this risk to protect their systems and data.

  • Identify Roundcube instances.
  • Reduce exposure or isolate risk.
  • Apply vendor fix, verify, and monitor.

Frequently asked questions

What is Roundcube Webmail and its general purpose in an organization?

Roundcube Webmail is a web-based email client designed to provide users with access and management of their email directly through a web browser. Organizations often implement it to offer a convenient email interface without requiring users to install separate desktop software.

What type of security weakness does CVE-2023-43770 represent and how does it manifest?

CVE-2023-43770 details a Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability. This weakness allows for the injection of malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The specific trigger in this case involves specially crafted links found within plain text emails processed by Roundcube.

How can an attacker exploit the CVE-2023-43770 vulnerability within Roundcube?

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by sending a specially crafted plain text email containing malicious links. When Roundcube processes these links, it can lead to the execution of arbitrary code within the user's browser session, potentially exposing sensitive information or enabling session hijacking.

What is the relevance of CVE-2023-43770, and what is the general advice from Halo Surface Signal regarding its exploitation?

CVE-2023-43770 is relevant because Roundcube is a publicly accessible, internet-facing service. Halo Surface Signal assesses the exploitation likelihood as 'Very likely' due to the inherent nature of webmail applications being designed for internet access, posing a significant risk.

What practical steps should organizations take to address the Roundcube Webmail vulnerability?

Organizations should first identify all instances of Roundcube webmail. Then, they should consider reducing its exposure or isolating any identified risks. The primary mitigation involves applying the vendor-provided fix, followed by verification and ongoing monitoring of the system.

References