CVE-2024-41959
📋 TL;DR
This is a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in mailcow: dockerized that allows unauthenticated attackers to inject malicious JavaScript into API logs. When administrators view these logs, the script executes in their browser context, potentially enabling session hijacking, data theft, or unauthorized actions. All mailcow installations running versions before the July 2024 release are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- mailcow: dockerized
📦 What is this software?
Mailcow\ by Mailcow
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An attacker could steal administrator session cookies, gain full control of the mailcow instance, access all email accounts, and pivot to internal network systems.
Likely Case
Attackers would steal administrator credentials or session tokens to gain unauthorized access to the mailcow administration panel.
If Mitigated
With proper network segmentation and access controls, impact would be limited to the mailcow instance itself.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires no authentication and involves simple JavaScript injection; weaponization is likely due to the popularity of mailcow.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2024-07 release
Vendor Advisory: https://github.com/mailcow/mailcow-dockerized/security/advisories/GHSA-v3r3-8f69-ph29
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Backup your mailcow configuration and data. 2. Navigate to your mailcow directory. 3. Run: git fetch origin master. 4. Run: git checkout 2024-07. 5. Run: docker compose pull. 6. Run: docker compose up -d. 7. Verify services are running properly.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
No workarounds available
allThe vendor states there are no known workarounds for this vulnerability.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict access to the mailcow administration interface to trusted IP addresses only using firewall rules.
- Implement strong authentication mechanisms and monitor for unusual administrator login activity.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check your mailcow version by running: cd /path/to/mailcow && grep MAILCOW_VERSION mailcow.confCheck Version:
cd /path/to/mailcow && grep MAILCOW_VERSION mailcow.confVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version shows 2024-07 or later and test that JavaScript injection into API logs no longer executes when viewing logs.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual API requests containing JavaScript payloads
- Multiple failed login attempts followed by successful logins
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests to mailcow API endpoints with JavaScript in parameters
SIEM Query:
source="mailcow" AND ("<script>" OR "javascript:" OR "onerror=" OR "onload=")