CVE-2004-2284 in Open Webmail
Summary
by MITRE
The read_list_from_file function in vacation.pl for OpenWebmail before 2.32 20040629 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in a filename argument.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/05/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2284 affects the OpenWebmail webmail system version prior to 2.32 release dated 20040629. This represents a critical security flaw in the vacation.pl script that handles automated email responses for users. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the read_list_from_file function, which processes filename arguments without adequate sanitization. When an attacker provides a malicious filename containing shell metacharacters, the system fails to properly escape or validate these inputs before using them in system calls. This oversight creates a command injection vulnerability that can be exploited by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected system with the privileges of the web server process.
The technical flaw manifests in the function's handling of user-supplied data where filename arguments are directly incorporated into shell commands without proper sanitization. This pattern violates fundamental security principles and creates a direct path for attackers to manipulate the execution flow of the system. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-78 as "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection')", which is a well-documented weakness in software systems where user input is improperly handled in command construction. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication to exploit, making it accessible to any remote user who can interact with the OpenWebmail interface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the target system, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, modify system configurations, or establish persistent access to the infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected webmail system and potentially the entire network infrastructure it resides in. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: Unix Shell) and T1078 (Valid Accounts) as attackers could use this to escalate privileges and maintain access. The attack surface is significant since OpenWebmail was widely deployed in enterprise environments, making numerous organizations vulnerable to this type of exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-2284 involve immediate patching of the OpenWebmail software to version 2.32 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the input validation issue. System administrators should also implement proper input sanitization measures, including escaping special shell characters and validating all user-supplied inputs before processing. Network-level protections such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help monitor for suspicious command execution patterns. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege for web server processes reduces the potential impact of successful exploitation. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary features and conducting regular security audits of web applications to identify similar vulnerabilities. The remediation approach aligns with NIST SP 800-53 security controls and follows the principle of defense in depth as outlined in the CWE guidelines for preventing command injection vulnerabilities.