CVE-2005-1435 in Open WebMail
Summary
by MITRE
Open WebMail (OWM) before 2.51 20050430 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in a filename.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2019
Open WebMail version 2.51 and earlier contains a critical command injection vulnerability that affects remote authenticated users who can manipulate file names within the application. This vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data, specifically when processing file names that are subsequently used in shell command executions. The flaw allows attackers with valid login credentials to inject shell metacharacters into file names, which are then interpreted by the underlying operating system as commands rather than simple file identifiers. This represents a classic command injection vulnerability that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code on the affected server with the privileges of the web application process.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly escape or filter special shell characters such as semicolons, ampersands, backticks, and pipes that are commonly used in command-line interfaces to chain commands or redirect output. When users upload or manipulate files through the Open WebMail interface, the application accepts these file names without adequate sanitization before incorporating them into system calls. This design flaw directly maps to CWE-78, which specifically addresses the improper neutralization of special elements used in shell commands, and aligns with the broader category of injection vulnerabilities that have been consistently ranked among the top security risks by organizations such as OWASP and NIST. The vulnerability exists at the intersection of application logic and system command execution, making it particularly dangerous as it allows attackers to leverage legitimate application functionality to bypass security controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution, as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive system resources and data. An authenticated attacker could potentially escalate privileges, access other user accounts, or even establish persistent access through the compromised webmail system. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate execution environment but also the broader security posture of systems that rely on Open WebMail for email services, as it can be used to gain unauthorized access to server resources, extract confidential information, or serve as a foothold for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The fact that the attack requires only authentication, rather than privileged access, makes this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations where email services are widely used and where user credentials may be compromised through social engineering or other means.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the Open WebMail application. The most effective approach involves escaping or removing special shell metacharacters from user-supplied file names before they are processed in system calls, which directly addresses the root cause identified in CWE-78. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege for the webmail application, ensuring that the application runs with minimal necessary permissions and that file system access is restricted to only required directories. Additionally, regular security updates and patches should be applied promptly to address known vulnerabilities, with the specific patch for CVE-2005-1435 being essential for resolving this issue. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual command execution patterns, and access controls should be reviewed to ensure that only authorized users have access to file manipulation features within the application. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in preventing command injection attacks, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1078 for valid accounts as part of the broader attack chain that can be initiated through such vulnerabilities.