CVE-2002-1582 in mailreader.com
Summary
by MITRE
compose.cgi in mailreader.com 2.3.30 and 2.3.31 when using sendmail as the mail transfer agent allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the realemail configuration variable which is used to call sendmail in network.cgi.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/03/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-1582 represents a critical command injection flaw in the mailreader.com web-based email client version 2.3.30 and 2.3.31. This vulnerability specifically affects the compose.cgi script which interfaces with the sendmail mail transfer agent through the network.cgi component. The flaw occurs when the realemail configuration variable is manipulated by remote attackers to include shell metacharacters, enabling arbitrary command execution on the affected system. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-77 category, which specifically addresses command injection flaws in software applications. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of proper input validation and sanitization, where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into system commands without adequate filtering or escaping mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft malicious input that includes shell metacharacters such as semicolons, ampersands, or backticks within the realemail configuration variable. When the compose.cgi script processes this input and passes it to sendmail through network.cgi, the shell interprets the malicious characters as commands to be executed rather than literal email addresses. This creates a direct pathway for remote code execution on the vulnerable system, potentially allowing attackers to gain full control over the web server hosting the mailreader application. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it leverages legitimate system utilities, making detection more challenging and allowing attackers to perform actions such as reading system files, executing additional commands, or even establishing persistent backdoors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution, as it fundamentally compromises the security posture of any system running the affected mailreader software. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to the underlying server, potentially accessing sensitive email data, system configuration files, or other resources stored on the server. The vulnerability affects not just the mailreader functionality but represents a broader security weakness in how the application handles user input and system interactions. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving command injection and privilege escalation, with potential lateral movement capabilities if the compromised system has access to other network resources. The impact is particularly severe given that the mailreader application is designed to handle email communication, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to establish persistent access or harvest sensitive information from email communications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The most direct solution involves patching the affected mailreader.com versions to properly sanitize and validate all user input before incorporating it into system commands. Organizations should implement proper input validation techniques that filter out or escape shell metacharacters from configuration variables, particularly those used in system command execution contexts. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing the principle of least privilege by running the mailreader application with minimal necessary permissions and by isolating it in restricted environments. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual command execution patterns and input validation bypass attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning to identify similar issues in other web applications that may be susceptible to command injection attacks through similar mechanisms.