CVE-2005-0152 in SquirrelMail
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in Squirrelmail 1.2.6 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via "URL manipulation."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/17/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-0152 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting Squirrelmail version 1.2.6, which operates within the broader context of web application security and server-side code execution risks. This vulnerability specifically targets the application's handling of user-supplied input in URL parameters, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate the application's behavior and potentially execute arbitrary code on the affected server. The flaw exists in the application's insecure parameter processing mechanisms that fail to properly validate or sanitize input before using it in file inclusion operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's reliance on user-provided URL parameters without adequate sanitization or validation measures. When Squirrelmail processes incoming requests containing manipulated URL parameters, it inadvertently incorporates these parameters into file inclusion directives, allowing attackers to specify external resources that should not be accessible to end users. This misconfiguration creates a pathway where an attacker can supply a malicious URL that points to a remote server hosting malicious code, which then gets executed within the context of the web server process. The vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-98, which describes improper file inclusion, and specifically relates to CWE-88, which addresses command injection through improper input sanitization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on the affected system, potentially leading to complete compromise of the server. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain access to sensitive email data, manipulate user accounts, install backdoors, or use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks against the internal network. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that host web applications accessible to external users. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers the exploitation of remote services through the manipulation of input parameters, and T1059, which describes the execution of malicious code through compromised web applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-0152 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The most effective immediate solution involves updating Squirrelmail to a patched version that properly validates and sanitizes input parameters before using them in file inclusion operations. Organizations should also implement input validation controls at multiple layers, including web application firewalls, server-side input sanitization, and proper parameter validation mechanisms. Additional security measures include disabling remote file inclusion features in the application configuration, implementing strict access controls for file operations, and monitoring for suspicious URL parameter usage patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices as outlined in OWASP Top 10, particularly focusing on input validation and proper error handling to prevent unauthorized code execution in web applications.