^{CVE-2020-1765:}Parameter spoofing vulnerability in OTRS allows manipulation of email sender fields

Overview

This vulnerability affects multiple versions of OTRS, including OTRS Community Edition 5.0.x (version 5.0.39 and prior), 6.0.x (version 6.0.24 and prior), and OTRS 7.0.x (version 7.0.13 and prior). The issue stems from insufficient validation of input parameters, which allows attackers to manipulate the sender information in outgoing emails. This could be exploited to conduct phishing campaigns, impersonate legitimate users, or bypass security controls that rely on sender verification. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in help desk and customer service environments where OTRS is commonly deployed, as it could undermine trust in communications and potentially lead to data breaches or unauthorized access.

Remediation

To address this vulnerability, system administrators should upgrade to the following patched versions:

• For OTRS Community Edition 5.0.x: Upgrade to version 5.0.40 or later
• For OTRS 6.0.x: Upgrade to version 6.0.25 or later
• For OTRS 7.0.x: Upgrade to version 7.0.14 or later

If immediate patching is not possible, consider implementing additional controls:

1. Restrict access to the affected agent ticket screens to trusted users only
2. Implement additional logging and monitoring for email sending activities
3. Consider using email authentication protocols like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC to help detect spoofed emails
4. Educate users about the potential for spoofed emails and encourage verification through alternative channels for sensitive requests

References

1. OTRS Security Advisory 2020-01: https://otrs.com/release-notes/otrs-security-advisory-2020-01/
2. Debian LTS Security Advisory DLA 2079-1: https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2020/01/msg00027.html
3. Debian LTS Security Advisory DLA 3551-1: https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2023/08/msg00040.html
4. openSUSE Security Update 2020:0551: http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2020-04/msg00038.html
5. openSUSE Security Update 2020:1475: http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2020-09/msg00066.html
6. openSUSE Security Update 2020:1509: http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2020-09/msg00077.html