Nodemailer Address Parsing Recipient Redirection Flaw

Executive Summary

This vulnerability in Nodemailer versions 3.0.0 to 10.1.3 allows attackers to manipulate email recipient addresses by using nested RFC 5322 comments. They hide an attacker-controlled address within these comments, which prematurely ends at the first closing parenthesis. This bypasses standard validators and recipient allow lists, enabling attackers to receive mail intended for others or spoof sender addresses.

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Detection Guidance

To detect this vulnerability, check the installed version of Nodemailer in your project. Run 'npm list nodemailer' or check your package.json file. If the version is between 3.0.0 and 10.1.3, the system is vulnerable.

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Impact Analysis

If you use a vulnerable Nodemailer version, attackers could intercept emails meant for you by redirecting them to their own addresses. They could also spoof sender addresses, making emails appear to come from trusted sources. This could lead to data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive information, or phishing attacks.

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Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access or disclosure of personal data, violating GDPR's data protection principles and HIPAA's confidentiality requirements. Organizations using vulnerable Nodemailer versions may face compliance violations, legal penalties, and reputational damage due to potential data breaches.

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Mitigation Strategies

Immediately update Nodemailer to version 10.1.4 or later. Use 'npm update nodemailer' or manually update the package.json file and reinstall dependencies.

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