CVE-2001-1258 in IMP
Summary
by MITRE
Horde Internet Messaging Program (IMP) before 2.2.6 allows local users to read IMP configuration files and steal the Horde database password by placing the prefs.lang file containing PHP code on the server.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/27/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-1258 represents a critical security flaw in the Horde Internet Messaging Program IMP version 2.2.5 and earlier. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and improper file handling mechanisms within the application's preference management system. The vulnerability specifically affects the way IMP processes user preference files, creating an avenue for local attackers to execute malicious code and gain unauthorized access to sensitive system information. The flaw exists in the application's configuration file handling logic, where user-supplied data is not properly sanitized before being processed, leading to potential code injection scenarios that can be exploited by attackers with local system access.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the deliberate placement of a malicious prefs.lang file containing PHP code on the target server. When IMP processes this file, the embedded PHP code executes within the context of the web application, potentially allowing attackers to access configuration files that contain sensitive database credentials. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-94 category of "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and represents a classic example of a local privilege escalation vector. The attack leverages the principle of least privilege by exploiting the application's failure to validate file contents before executing code, effectively bypassing normal access controls that should prevent unauthorized reading of sensitive configuration data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the stolen database password can provide attackers with persistent access to the underlying Horde database system. This access can enable further exploitation activities including data manipulation, unauthorized user account creation, and potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in application security design where local file system access translates directly into application-level privilege escalation. Security professionals should note that this issue represents an early example of how web application frameworks can be compromised through insecure file handling practices, particularly in applications that dynamically process user-provided configuration data.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including updating to IMP version 2.2.6 or later, which contains the necessary patches to prevent PHP code execution from preference files. Additional protective measures include restricting local file system access to the application directories, implementing proper input validation for all user-supplied data, and conducting regular security audits of configuration file handling processes. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PHP" and T1566.002 for "Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment" as it demonstrates how local privilege escalation can be achieved through manipulation of application configuration files. System administrators should also consider implementing file integrity monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized modifications to critical preference files and establish proper access controls that prevent local users from placing arbitrary files in application directories.