CVE-2005-2095 in SquirrelMail
Summary
by MITRE
options_identities.php in SquirrelMail 1.4.4 and earlier uses the extract function to process the $_POST variable, which allows remote attackers to modify or read the preferences of other users, conduct cross-site scripting XSS) attacks, and write arbitrary files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/02/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2095 resides within the options_identities.php script of SquirrelMail versions 1.4.4 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that stems from improper input validation and unsafe variable handling practices. This issue manifests through the dangerous use of the extract function to process the $_POST variable, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the application's preference management system. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by its ability to affect multiple attack vectors simultaneously, making it particularly dangerous for email server environments where user privacy and data integrity are paramount.
The technical flaw occurs when the extract function processes the $_POST array without adequate sanitization or validation, allowing attackers to inject arbitrary variables into the script's namespace. This unsafe practice enables remote attackers to manipulate the script's behavior by injecting malicious data through HTTP POST requests. The vulnerability specifically targets the preferences handling mechanism, where attackers can modify or read other users' configuration settings, effectively compromising user sessions and potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive email communications. The extract function's behavior in this context creates a direct vector for privilege escalation and data exfiltration attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-2095 extends beyond simple preference manipulation, as it enables sophisticated attack scenarios including cross-site scripting vulnerabilities and arbitrary file writing capabilities. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to inject malicious scripts into the application's response, potentially compromising user browsers and enabling further attacks such as session hijacking or credential theft. The arbitrary file writing capability presents additional risks where attackers might be able to upload malicious code or modify critical application files, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This vulnerability directly violates security principles outlined in the CWE-1072 category, which addresses improper handling of variable names and values, and aligns with ATT&CK techniques for privilege escalation and persistence.
Organizations utilizing SquirrelMail versions prior to 1.4.5 should immediately implement mitigations including updating to the patched version, implementing proper input validation for all POST data, and disabling unnecessary features that might expose the extract function to external input. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls to monitor for suspicious POST parameter patterns, conducting regular security audits of application configurations, and establishing proper access controls to limit the impact of potential exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper variable handling in web applications, particularly in email systems where user trust and data confidentiality are fundamental requirements.