Appsecure logo

CVE-2024-27443: Medium Vulnerability in Zimbra Collaboration

A medium-severity Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability exists in Zimbra Collaboration's CalendarInvite feature. Attackers can exploit this flaw through crafted email messages, potentially executing arbitrary JavaScript code. Organizations should address this vulnerability promptly to mitigate risks.

MEDIUMKnown ExploitedCVSS 6.1 · Published August 12, 2024

Not a customer? See how AppSecure simulates real world attacks to protect your infrastructure.

Speak to Experts

CVE-2024-27443 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting Zimbra Collaboration (ZCS) versions 9.0 and 10.0. This vulnerability allows attackers to exploit the CalendarInvite feature within the Zimbra webmail classic user interface. Specifically, improper input validation in the handling of the calendar header can lead to a Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attack. An attacker can craft an email message containing a malicious calendar header with an embedded XSS payload. When a victim views this message in the Zimbra webmail classic interface, the payload executes within the context of the victim's session, potentially allowing execution of arbitrary JavaScript code.

The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 6.1, indicating a medium severity level. Organizations using affected versions of Zimbra are at risk of this vulnerability being exploited to execute unauthorized scripts, which could lead to further compromise of user data. The attack vector is network-based, and the complexity of the attack is low, requiring no special privileges to exploit. The urgency for defenders is high, as this vulnerability can significantly impact organizational security.

Organizations should prioritize addressing this vulnerability by applying the latest patches provided by Zimbra. It is crucial to remain vigilant against such vulnerabilities, as attackers are continuously looking for opportunities to exploit weaknesses in web applications.

As of now, there are no known exploits publicly available for CVE-2024-27443, but it is included in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, indicating that it has been recognized by security agencies as a potential target for exploitation. Organizations should remain proactive in monitoring their systems against this and similar vulnerabilities.

Vulnerability Details

The official description of CVE-2024-27443 indicates that an issue was discovered in Zimbra Collaboration (ZCS) versions 9.0 and 10.0. A Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability exists in the CalendarInvite feature due to improper input validation in the handling of the calendar header. This allows an attacker to craft an email message containing an embedded XSS payload that executes when the victim views the message in the Zimbra webmail classic interface.

The vulnerability is classified as CWE-79, indicating it is a type of improper neutralization of input during web page generation ('Cross-site Scripting'). The CVSS score of 6.1 reflects a medium severity level which is significant enough to warrant prompt remediation.

Technical Analysis

The root cause of CVE-2024-27443 stems from the improper input validation within the CalendarInvite feature of Zimbra's webmail interface. This vulnerability allows malicious actors to inject executable code into the calendar header, which is then rendered by the web browser when a user accesses the crafted email. The attack vector is network-based, as the exploitation occurs through crafted emails sent to users.

The attack complexity is classified as low, meaning that no advanced skills or techniques are necessary for an attacker to exploit this vulnerability. Furthermore, the privileges required to execute the attack are none, and user interaction is required to trigger the exploit by viewing the malicious email. The potential impacts include low confidentiality and integrity loss, while availability is not affected.

Risk & Impact Analysis

The risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access to user sessions and execution of arbitrary JavaScript code, which could result in data theft, session hijacking, or further compromise of the user’s environment. The blast radius for this vulnerability is significant, particularly for organizations reliant on Zimbra for communication and collaboration.

Given the CVSS score of 6.1 and its inclusion in the KEV catalog, organizations should assess their exposure to this vulnerability and prioritize remediation efforts accordingly. The urgency for patching is categorized as high due to the potential for exploitation in the wild.

Exploitation Status

Signal

Status

Known Exploit

No

Public PoC

No

Actively Exploited

Yes

Ransomware Use

No

Affected Versions

CVE-2024-27443 affects Zimbra Collaboration (ZCS) versions 9.0 and 10.0, specifically all versions prior to vendor patch 10.0.7. Organizations using these affected versions should act swiftly to mitigate this vulnerability.

Mitigation & Remediation

Organizations should apply the latest patches provided by Zimbra to remediate CVE-2024-27443. The patch for version 10.0.7 addresses this vulnerability directly. For those unable to upgrade immediately, implementing input validation measures and monitoring user sessions for unusual activity can serve as temporary mitigations.

Further, organizations are encouraged to review their configurations in accordance with best practices for security hardening. Regular penetration testing can also help identify similar vulnerabilities and ensure that security controls are effective.

For more information on how to implement effective security measures, organizations can refer to our penetration testing services.

Detection Guidance

Monitoring logs for unusual activity related to calendar invites can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Look for unusual JavaScript executions or anomalies in user sessions. Implementing network controls that limit exposure to untrusted email sources can also be beneficial.

AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight

CVE-2024-27443 highlights the ongoing challenges in web application security, particularly regarding user input handling. Security teams must focus on robust input validation to prevent XSS vulnerabilities. The trend of attackers exploiting XSS vulnerabilities emphasizes the need for continuous monitoring and proactive security measures.

Organizations should consider adopting a comprehensive security strategy, including regular training for developers on secure coding practices and conducting thorough security assessments. For insights into effective security practices, refer to our articles on vulnerability management programs and penetration testing methodologies to strengthen your security posture.

Staying informed about vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-27443 is crucial for maintaining a secure environment. Organizations should implement the recommended patches and consider proactive security measures to mitigate potential risks.

Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.

Latest CVEs. Recently published vulnerabilities from the NVD database.

View all vulnerabilities
CVE IDSeverity
CVE-2025-65418HIGH
CVE-2025-65417MEDIUM
CVE-2025-65416MEDIUM
CVE-2025-65415MEDIUM
CVE-2025-61314HIGH

Protect Your Business with Hacker-Focused Approach.