CVE-2005-0183 in Vacation plugin
Summary
by MITRE
ftpfile in the Vacation plugin 0.15 and earlier for Squirrelmail allows local users to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in a command line argument.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/22/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0183 represents a critical command injection flaw within the Vacation plugin version 0.15 and earlier for the Squirrelmail web-based email client. This issue arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the ftpfile component of the plugin, which processes command line arguments without proper escaping or filtering of shell metacharacters. The vulnerability specifically affects local users who can manipulate the plugin's functionality to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying system, creating a significant security risk for email server environments.
The technical flaw manifests when the Vacation plugin's ftpfile function receives user-provided input through command line arguments and directly incorporates this data into shell commands without adequate sanitization. This design flaw enables attackers to inject malicious shell metacharacters such as semicolons, pipes, or backticks that are interpreted by the system shell, allowing for arbitrary command execution. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-78 as "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command," which is a well-documented weakness in software that fails to properly escape or quote operating system command arguments. This particular implementation allows for privilege escalation from the web application context to the underlying operating system level, as the Squirrelmail application typically runs with elevated privileges to perform file operations and system tasks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to manipulate the entire email server environment. Local users with access to the Squirrelmail interface can potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive system files, modify email configurations, install malicious software, or even establish persistent backdoors on the server. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it leverages the legitimate functionality of the Vacation plugin, making it difficult to detect through standard security monitoring. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically focusing on the execution of system commands through shell interfaces. The impact is compounded by the fact that Squirrelmail servers often run with elevated privileges, potentially allowing attackers to execute commands with system-level access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-0183 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary solution involves upgrading to a patched version of the Vacation plugin, specifically version 0.16 or later, which implements proper input sanitization and command escaping mechanisms. Organizations should also implement input validation at multiple layers, ensuring that all user-provided data is properly escaped before being incorporated into system commands. Network segmentation and privilege separation should be enforced to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, while regular security audits and penetration testing can help identify similar vulnerabilities in other components. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and security monitoring systems can provide early detection of suspicious command execution patterns. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of following secure coding practices, particularly in applications that interface with operating system commands, and demonstrates how seemingly minor input validation failures can result in severe security consequences that align with ATT&CK framework's lateral movement and privilege escalation techniques.