External risk intelligence

Zimbra Collaboration Cross-Site Scripting Vulnerability

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2025-27915

A vulnerability in Zimbra Collaboration Suite's Classic Web Client allows attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript by embedding malicious content in ICS files. This can lead to unauthorized actions on user accounts, such as email redirection or data exfiltration, posing a business risk to affected organizations.

5Halo Surface Signal

Cross-site Scripting

Synacor Zimbra Collaboration Suite

10.0.0 to before 10.0.1310.1.0 to before 10.1.59.0.0

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2025-27915

Zimbra Collaboration Suite is an enterprise email platform designed as a public-facing web service. Its role involves processing incoming internet-based content, including emails and attachments, which makes its attack surface highly accessible by design. As this vulnerability involves malicious email content processed by the web client, the exposure is significant and inherent to the platform's p

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A vulnerability has been identified within Zimbra Collaboration Suite's Classic Web Client. This flaw stems from how the system handles HTML content within ICS files, specifically an insufficient sanitization process. When a user interacts with an email containing a specially crafted ICS entry, a weakness in the handling of the `ontoggle` event within a `<details>` tag allows for the execution of arbitrary JavaScript. This can lead to unauthorized actions performed within the victim's session.

  • Vulnerable component: Zimbra Classic Web Client
  • Core weakness: Insufficient HTML sanitization in ICS files
  • Main business impact: Unauthorized account actions, data exfiltration

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

The attack path involves an attacker exploiting a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability within the Zimbra Collaboration Suite's Classic Web Client. This vulnerability arises from inadequate sanitization of HTML content found in calendar invitation (ICS) files. By embedding malicious JavaScript within an ICS file, an attacker can trick a user into opening an email containing this entry. When the user views this malicious ICS entry, the embedded JavaScript executes, allowing the attacker to gain control over actions within the victim's session. This can lead to unauthorized modifications, such as setting up email filters to redirect messages.

  • External access to the email system.
  • Malicious ICS file sent via email.
  • User views email; JavaScript executes.
  • Attacker performs unauthorized actions.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

A stored cross-site scripting vulnerability has been identified in Zimbra Collaboration Suite. This vulnerability allows for the execution of arbitrary JavaScript within a user's session when they view a specially crafted email. Attackers can leverage this to perform unauthorized actions on a victim's account, such as redirecting emails or exfiltrating data. The potential for unauthorized actions on user accounts indicates a significant business risk.

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

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability in Zimbra Collaboration Suite could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary JavaScript within a user's session, potentially leading to unauthorized actions such as redirecting emails or exfiltrating data. The risk arises from the insufficient sanitization of HTML content within ICS files, which can be triggered when a user views a malicious email. This could impact affected organizations by compromising user accounts and sensitive information.

  • Identify exposed Zimbra Collaboration assets.
  • Mitigate exposure or isolate affected systems.
  • Apply vendor fixes and validate.
  • Monitor for related malicious activity.

Frequently asked questions

What is Zimbra Collaboration Suite used for?

Zimbra Collaboration Suite is an enterprise email platform used for communication and collaboration. It provides features like email, calendaring, and contact management for businesses.

What kind of weakness is CVE-2025-27915?

CVE-2025-27915 is a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability, identified as CWE-79. This type of weakness occurs when an application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data, allowing malicious scripts to be injected and executed.

How can an attacker trigger this Zimbra vulnerability?

An attacker can trigger this vulnerability by sending an email containing a malicious ICS (calendar invitation) file. The vulnerability is not triggered if the user does not view the email containing the malicious ICS entry.

Who should be concerned about CVE-2025-27915?

Organizations using Zimbra Collaboration Suite should be concerned, especially those whose instances are internet-facing. The Halo Surface Signal indicates a very likely exposure due to the platform's design for processing incoming internet-based content like emails.

What is the first step to address this Zimbra vulnerability?

The first step is to consult Zimbra's security advisories and release notes for specific guidance on patches or updates relevant to your version of Zimbra Collaboration Suite. Applying these vendor-provided fixes is crucial.

References