External risk intelligence

Roundcube Webmail: Cross-Site Scripting Vulnerability Allows Email Theft

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2024-42009

A cross-site scripting vulnerability in Roundcube Webmail affects organizations using specific versions. Attackers can steal and send emails, impacting data confidentiality and integrity. The realistic business risk involves potential data breaches and unauthorized communications.

5Halo Surface Signal

Cross-site Scripting

Roundcube Webmail

before 1.5.81.6.0 to before 1.6.8

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2024-42009

Roundcube is a webmail application designed to be accessed via a web browser over the internet, making its primary interface a public-facing web endpoint by design for users to read and manage emails.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

The Roundcube webmail application has a flaw that allows for unauthorized access to sensitive information. This vulnerability can enable attackers to view and send emails on behalf of a user. The primary impact of this flaw is the potential for data theft and unauthorized communication, affecting the confidentiality and integrity of an organization's email communications.

  • Vulnerable email software
  • Flaw allows data theft and misuse
  • Compromised email confidentiality and integrity

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

A remote attacker can exploit a cross-site scripting vulnerability by sending a specially crafted email. This email, when processed by the affected system, allows the attacker to execute arbitrary code in the victim's browser. The impact could involve the unauthorized access and exfiltration of sensitive email data, as well as the ability to send emails on behalf of the victim. This affects organizations that use the vulnerable version of Roundcube Webmail.

  • Exposure condition: Network access to Roundcube Webmail.
  • Attacker starting point: Remote.
  • Trigger and result: Crafted email; steal and send victim emails.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

A critical Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability exists in Roundcube Webmail that could allow attackers to steal and send emails. This vulnerability can be exploited through crafted email messages, potentially impacting email integrity and confidentiality. Organizations using affected versions of Roundcube Webmail should consider this a high-priority issue.

  • Likely attacker skill level: Low
  • Required access or conditions: Network access, user interaction
  • Business risk or urgency: High

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

A critical cross-site scripting vulnerability has been identified in Roundcube Webmail, potentially allowing remote attackers to access and send victim emails. This issue stems from a desanitization flaw in the message body processing. Organizations utilizing affected versions of Roundcube should prioritize addressing this vulnerability to mitigate business risk and protect sensitive data.

  • Identify all Roundcube instances.
  • Restrict network access to Roundcube.
  • Apply vendor updates and validate.
  • Monitor for related activity.

Frequently asked questions

What is Roundcube Webmail and its function in email communication?

Roundcube is an open-source webmail application that serves as a user-friendly browser-based interface for mail servers. It enables users to access and manage their emails remotely, offering features like advanced search and extensibility through plugins. Its design makes it suitable for various organizations, including academic institutions, government bodies, and hosting providers.

How does CVE-2024-42009's Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability impact Roundcube users?

CVE-2024-42009 is a Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Roundcube Webmail. This weakness arises from a desanitization issue within the message_body() function, allowing a remote attacker to inject malicious scripts into emails. When a user views such an email, these scripts execute in their browser, potentially enabling the theft and unauthorized sending of the victim's emails.

What is the attack vector and scope for CVE-2024-42009 in Roundcube Webmail?

The attack vector for CVE-2024-42009 is the network, meaning an attacker can exploit this vulnerability remotely without needing prior access to the system. The scope of the vulnerability is classified as 'external', and it involves a user interaction where a specially crafted email serves as the trigger. Successful exploitation can lead to the attacker gaining control to steal and send emails from the victim's account.

What is the relevance of CVE-2024-42009 to organizations using Roundcube Webmail?

This vulnerability is highly relevant as it poses a critical risk to organizations using affected versions of Roundcube Webmail, specifically versions prior to 1.5.8 and versions 1.6.0 through 1.6.7. The ability for remote attackers to steal and send emails directly compromises email confidentiality and integrity, potentially leading to significant data breaches and reputational damage. The Halo Surface Signal indicates a 'Very likely' threat due to Roundcube's nature as a web-accessible email client.

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

Organizations should prioritize identifying all Roundcube instances and immediately apply the security updates released by the vendor, versions 1.6.8 and 1.5.8, to mitigate the risk. It is also advisable to restrict network access to Roundcube instances where possible and to monitor for any suspicious email-related activity. Following vendor advisories and performing validation after applying updates are crucial steps for remediation.

References