CVE-2000-0930 in Pegasus Mail
Summary
by MITRE
Pegasus Mail 3.12 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via an embedded URL that calls the mailto: protocol with a -F switch.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/25/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2000-0930 represents a significant security flaw in Pegasus Mail version 3.12 that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the target system through crafted email messages. This vulnerability specifically exploits the mailto: protocol implementation within the email client, demonstrating a classic example of insecure input handling and improper validation of user-supplied data. The flaw occurs when the email client processes embedded URLs that utilize the mailto: protocol with a -F switch parameter, which can be manipulated to reference and retrieve files from the local filesystem. The attack vector leverages the client-side processing of email content, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered simply by opening a malicious email message.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation and sanitization of URL parameters within the Pegasus Mail application. When the application encounters a mailto: URL with the -F switch, it fails to properly validate the file path specified in the parameter, allowing an attacker to craft malicious URLs that reference arbitrary files on the target system. This behavior aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability essentially allows an attacker to bypass normal file access controls and retrieve sensitive information from the local file system, potentially including configuration files, user data, or system files that should remain protected.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to potentially sensitive data stored on the target system. Remote attackers can exploit this flaw without requiring any special privileges or authentication, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may inadvertently open malicious email messages. The vulnerability affects any system running Pegasus Mail 3.12 or earlier versions, and the attack can be executed through standard email communication channels, making it difficult to defend against through network-based security measures alone. This type of vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the potential risks associated with implementing protocols that do not adequately consider security implications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on both immediate patching and defensive measures. The most effective solution involves upgrading to a newer version of Pegasus Mail that addresses this specific flaw in the mailto: protocol handling. Organizations should also implement email filtering solutions that can identify and block suspicious URLs containing potentially malicious parameters. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the importance of avoiding opening suspicious email messages and the risks associated with clicking on embedded links. From a security architecture perspective, this vulnerability highlights the need for proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in application design. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under privilege escalation and defense evasion techniques, as attackers can use such flaws to gain unauthorized access to system resources and potentially escalate their privileges within the compromised environment.