CVE-2002-1132 in SquirrelMail
Summary
by MITRE
SquirrelMail 1.2.7 and earlier allows remote attackers to determine the absolute pathname of the options.php script via a malformed optpage file argument, which generates an error message when the file cannot be included in the script.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/18/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1132 represents a path disclosure issue affecting SquirrelMail versions 1.2.7 and earlier. This flaw resides in the application's handling of malformed optpage file arguments within the options.php script, creating a security risk that can be exploited by remote attackers to gain information about the server's file system structure. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application attempts to include a file that cannot be properly processed, resulting in an error message that inadvertently reveals the absolute pathname of the options.php script.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and error handling within the SquirrelMail application's configuration management system. When an attacker provides a malformed optpage argument, the system fails to properly sanitize or validate the input before attempting to include the specified file. This failure in input validation creates a path disclosure condition where the error message generated during the file inclusion process contains the full absolute path to the options.php script. The flaw operates under CWE-200, which categorizes information exposure vulnerabilities, specifically targeting the disclosure of sensitive path information that can aid in further exploitation attempts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with crucial system information that can be leveraged for subsequent attacks. The revealed absolute path can be used to understand the application's directory structure, potentially enabling attackers to craft more sophisticated attacks such as local file inclusion exploits or to identify other potential attack vectors within the application's file system. This information disclosure creates a foundation for advanced persistent threats where attackers can map the server environment and plan more targeted exploitation strategies.
Security practitioners should address this vulnerability through immediate patching of affected SquirrelMail installations to version 1.2.8 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for proper input validation and error handling. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization measures and configuring the application to suppress detailed error messages in production environments can mitigate the risk. The remediation approach should align with ATT&CK technique T1068, which focuses on exploiting vulnerabilities in application software, by ensuring that applications properly validate all inputs and do not expose system information through error messages. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block attempts to exploit path disclosure vulnerabilities, and establish proper logging and monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts targeting this specific flaw.