CVE-2001-0021 in Mailman Webmail
Summary
by MITRE
MailMan Webmail 3.0.25 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the alternate_template parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/19/2025
This vulnerability exists in MailMan Webmail version 3.0.25 and earlier, representing a critical command injection flaw that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary system commands on the affected server. The vulnerability specifically manifests through the alternate_template parameter, which is processed without proper input validation or sanitization, allowing malicious actors to inject shell metacharacters that get interpreted by the underlying operating system. This type of vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-77, which categorizes improper neutralization of special elements used in commands, and aligns with the attack pattern identified in CWE-94 as code injection. The flaw stems from the application's failure to properly escape or filter user-supplied input before incorporating it into system command execution contexts, creating a direct pathway for privilege escalation and system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected webmail server. Remote exploitation allows unauthorized individuals to execute commands with the privileges of the web server process, typically running as the web user or system account. This can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, lateral movement within the network, and potential use as a foothold for further attacks. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the webmail service, as attackers can modify system files, install backdoors, or disrupt services entirely. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability represents a high-value target due to its remote exploitability and the potential for privilege escalation without requiring authentication for the webmail service itself.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching and input validation improvements. Organizations must upgrade to MailMan Webmail versions that address this command injection flaw, as the vendor has likely released security patches to resolve the issue. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms can prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future. The application should validate all user-supplied input, particularly parameters that are later used in system command execution contexts, and employ proper escaping mechanisms to neutralize special characters. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, while implementing principle of least privilege for web server processes can limit the potential damage from successful exploitation. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar injection flaws in web applications, aligning with security frameworks such as the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.