CVE-2017-5602:An incorrect implementation of XEP-0280: Message Carbons in multiple XMPP clients (specifically jappix 1.0.0 to 1.1.6) allows a remote attacker to impersonate any user, including contacts, in the vulnerable application's display.

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This vulnerability results from an improper handling of XEP-0280 Message Carbons across certain XMPP clients, enabling a remote attacker to impersonate any user within the vulnerable application's UI, including friends and contacts. The flaw can be exploited to carry out social engineering attacks by presenting forged user identities in conversations or contact lists. The issue affects jappix versions 1.0.0 through 1.1.6, and was disclosed publicly in early 2017 with multiple references detailing fixes and patches.

Overview

The CVE describes an identity impersonation flaw caused by an incorrect implementation of the XMPP XEP-0280 “Message Carbons” feature. By abusing this misimplementation, an attacker can make the vulnerable XMPP client display messages or contacts as if they originated from or belonged to another user, facilitating social engineering and phishing scenarios. The vulnerability is limited to the affected jappix versions (1.0.0–1.1.6) and could enable deception in the user interface without requiring a breach of the underlying account credentials.

Remediation

  • Upgrade to a patched version of the affected software or apply the official patch that correctly implements XEP-0280 Message Carbons. The referenced patch is available in the project commit linked to the CVE.
  • If upgrading is not immediately possible, disable or neutralize the Message Carbons feature in the client (or server) if feasible to reduce impersonation risk until a fix is applied.
  • Implement and/or apply the specific patch from the jappix repository (as identified by the commit referenced in the CVE) to correct the handling of message carbons.
  • After applying the fix, conduct targeted tests to verify that impersonation is no longer possible, including checks of display names, avatars, and message provenance in conversations and contact lists.
  • Monitor for updates or advisories from the project maintainers and CVE feeds to ensure timely deployment of future fixes.

References

  • http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/96176
  • http://openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2017/02/09/29
  • https://github.com/jappix/jappix/commit/ea6de7c65b80880bdf85df47c1a8a5d3d68491af
  • https://rt-solutions.de/en/2017/02/CVE-2017-5589_xmpp_carbons/
  • https://rt-solutions.de/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/CVE-2017-5589_xmpp_carbons.pdf

Industry ExposureMost to least
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.

  1. Accommodation & Food Services: Low
    Accommodation & Food Services
  2. Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services: Low
    Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
  3. Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting: Low
    Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
  4. Arts, Entertainment & Recreation: Low
    Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
  5. Construction: Low
    Construction
  6. Educational Services: Low
    Educational Services
  7. Finance and Insurance: Low
    Finance and Insurance
  8. Health Care & Social Assistance: Low
    Health Care & Social Assistance
  9. Information: Low
    Information
  10. Management of Companies & Enterprises: Low
    Management of Companies & Enterprises
  11. Manufacturing: Low
    Manufacturing
  12. Mining: Low
    Mining
  13. Other Services (except Public Administration): Low
    Other Services (except Public Administration)
  14. Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services: Low
    Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
  15. Public Administration: Low
    Public Administration
  16. Real Estate Rental & Leasing: Low
    Real Estate Rental & Leasing
  17. Retail Trade: Low
    Retail Trade
  18. Transportation & Warehousing: Low
    Transportation & Warehousing
  19. Utilities: Low
    Utilities
  20. Wholesale Trade: Low
    Wholesale Trade

Focus on What Matters

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  2. Identify True Risk.
  3. Proactively Mitigate Threats.

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