CVE-2018-1294: Improper Input Validation in Apache Commons Email
Summary
CVE-2018-1294: Improper Input Validation Apache Commons Email. Affects org.apache.commons:commons-email versions < 1.5. Fixed in 1.5. How to fix ↓
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Background
Apache Commons Email is a library that provides a simple API for sending email messages. It is commonly used by application programmers to incorporate email functionality into their software. This vulnerability affects versions prior to 1.5 of the Apache Commons Email library. The library allows users to set a 'Bounce Address' for email messages. However, if unvalidated input containing line-breaks is passed as the 'Bounce Address', it can be manipulated to modify the email details, including recipients and contents.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability arises from the lack of input validation in the 'Bounce Address' functionality of Apache Commons Email. When unvalidated input with line-breaks is provided, an attacker can exploit this to manipulate the email details. This can lead to unauthorized access, disclosure of sensitive information, or even the injection of malicious content into the email. The severity of this vulnerability is rated as HIGH with a CVSS score of 7.5.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
1.5
This is the first release that contains the fix.
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Workaround
For older versions of Commons Email, a workaround is to strip line-breaks from the data that will be passed to the 'setBounceAddress' method. By removing line-breaks, the vulnerability can be mitigated to some extent. However, it is still recommended to upgrade to the latest version for a comprehensive fix.
Conclusion
The vulnerability in Apache Commons Email (CVE-2018-1294) allows for the manipulation of email details when unvalidated input with line-breaks is provided as the 'Bounce Address'. Upgrading to version 1.5 or later of the library is the recommended solution. A workaround is available for older versions, but it is advisable to upgrade for a complete fix. For further support on vulnerability remediation, contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
Apache Commons Email is a library that provides an API for sending email messages in Java applications. It simplifies the process of sending emails and supports various email protocols and formats.
If an application uses an older version of Apache Commons Email and allows unvalidated input with line-breaks as the 'Bounce Address', an attacker can manipulate the email details. This can lead to unauthorized access, disclosure of sensitive information, or the injection of malicious content into the email.
This vulnerability is rated as HIGH with a CVSS score of 7.5. It has the potential to cause significant harm to affected applications if exploited.
To fix this vulnerability, upgrade to version 1.5 or later of the Apache Commons Email library. This version includes proper input validation for the 'Bounce Address' field, preventing the manipulation of email details.
For older versions of Commons Email, a workaround is to strip line-breaks from the data passed to the 'setBounceAddress' method. However, upgrading to the latest version is still recommended for a comprehensive fix.
References
Related vulnerabilities
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