CVE-2023-40355 Scanner

Axigen WebMail is a web-based email client used by organizations to provide email and collaboration capabilities for their employees. It is favored for its broad compatibility with different email protocols and ease of integration into existing IT environments. Axigen is used in various sectors, including education, government, and private companies, to facilitate reliable email communication among users. The service is designed to work across multiple platforms, offering both desktop and mobile compatibility. Its deployment typically occurs within organizational intranets or as a service hosted on the cloud. Axigen WebMail strives to provide a user-friendly interface while supporting administrative and security features essential for large-scale email systems.

Cross-site scripting (XSS) is a security vulnerability that allows attackers to inject arbitrary scripts into web pages viewed by others. In the case of Axigen WebMail, this vulnerability can be exploited to execute malicious scripts in the context of an authenticated user's web session. This type of vulnerability often allows attackers to bypass access controls, steal session cookies, or impersonate users. XSS vulnerabilities are usually introduced when web applications include user-controllable content in their output without proper sanitization. The impact of an XSS attack can range from a minor nuisance to significant security breaches, depending on the data compromised and the scope of access gained by the attacker.

The vulnerability within Axigen WebMail is leveraged through specific URL parameters used in the webmail's switching logic between its Standard and Ajax versions. An authenticated attacker can craft URLs that include payloads designed to trigger script executions when processed by the affected webmail service. This vulnerability can be activated by persuading a legitimate user into clicking a specially crafted link while logged into the Axigen WebMail platform. The absence of necessary input validation allows the script to execute in the user's browser, compromising user privacy and potentially exposing sensitive data.

Exploitation of this Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability allows an attacker to perform actions such as stealing user credentials, hijacking active user sessions, and accessing confidential information. Malicious use of XSS can lead to widespread issues such as unauthorized transactions or content manipulation. It can cause significant reputational damage to affected organizations and lead to compliance violations if sensitive data is compromised or exposed. The vulnerability highlights the importance of robust input validation and output sanitization practices in web application development.

REFERENCES

• https://www.axigen.com/knowledgebase/Axigen-WebMail-XSS-Vulnerability-CVE-2023-40355-_396.html
• https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-40355