CVE-2005-1924 in SquirrelMail
Summary
by MITRE
The G/PGP (GPG) Plugin 2.1 and earlier for Squirrelmail allow remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in (1) the fpr parameter to the deleteKey function in gpg_keyring.php, as called by (a) import_key_file.php, (b) import_key_text.php, and (c) keyring_main.php; and (2) the keyserver parameter to the gpg_recv_key function in gpg_key_functions.php, as called by gpg_options.php. NOTE: this issue may overlap CVE-2007-3636.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/25/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-1924 represents a critical command injection flaw within the GPG plugin for Squirrelmail email client. This issue affects versions 2.1 and earlier, where authenticated remote attackers can exploit shell metacharacters to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the plugin's core functions, specifically targeting the gpg_keyring.php and gpg_key_functions.php files. The attack surface includes multiple entry points through the import_key_file.php, import_key_text.php, keyring_main.php, and gpg_options.php scripts, making the exploitation vector more extensive than initially apparent.
The technical flaw manifests in two primary attack vectors that leverage shell metacharacters within parameter values. The first vector targets the fpr parameter in the deleteKey function within gpg_keyring.php, which is invoked by three different import and key management scripts. This allows attackers to inject malicious shell commands through the fingerprint parameter that gets processed without proper sanitization. The second vector involves the keyserver parameter within the gpg_recv_key function in gpg_key_functions.php, which is called by gpg_options.php. Both attack paths demonstrate a classic command injection vulnerability where user-controllable input directly influences shell command execution, creating a severe security risk for the email system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple privilege escalation, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise. An authenticated attacker with access to Squirrelmail can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the web server process, potentially gaining access to sensitive email data, system files, and network resources. The vulnerability affects the entire Squirrelmail ecosystem since it operates at the plugin level, meaning that any system running the vulnerable GPG plugin is at risk regardless of other security measures in place. The fact that the vulnerability overlaps with CVE-2007-3636 indicates this represents a persistent flaw in the plugin's architecture that was not adequately addressed in subsequent versions.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-78 categories, which specifically address command injection flaws in software systems. The attack pattern follows typical MITRE ATT&CK framework techniques including privilege escalation and execution through command and scripting interpreters. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and highlights the importance of proper sanitization of user inputs before they are processed by shell commands. Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to patched versions of the GPG plugin, implementing proper input validation, and considering network segmentation to limit the attack surface. The vulnerability also underscores the need for regular security assessments of third-party plugins and components, as these often represent weak points in overall security postures. Given the nature of email systems handling sensitive data, this vulnerability could enable attackers to access confidential communications, potentially leading to data breaches, identity theft, or further network infiltration attempts.