CVE-2005-4558 in Icewarp
Summary
by MITRE
IceWarp Web Mail 5.5.1, as used by Merak Mail Server 8.3.0r and VisNetic Mail Server version 8.3.0 build 1, does not properly restrict acceptable values for the language parameter to mail/settings.html before it is stored in a database, which can allow remote authenticated users to include arbitrary PHP code via a URL in a modified lang_settings parameter to mail/index.html.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/28/2025
This vulnerability exists in IceWarp Web Mail version 5.5.1 which is integrated into Merak Mail Server 8.3.0r and VisNetic Mail Server 8.3.0 build 1. The flaw represents a classic input validation issue that enables persistent cross-site scripting and remote code execution capabilities. The vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of the language parameter within the mail/settings.html configuration interface, allowing authenticated users to manipulate the lang_settings parameter through the mail/index.html endpoint. This misconfiguration creates a dangerous attack vector where maliciously crafted input can be stored in the database and subsequently executed as PHP code within the web application context.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a path where an authenticated user can modify the language parameter to include malicious PHP code within the URL structure. When the modified parameter is processed and stored in the database, it becomes persistent and executable during subsequent page requests. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-20 Input Validation and is closely related to CWE-94 Code Injection and CWE-79 Cross-Site Scripting. The attack pattern aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 Exploit Public-Facing Application, where adversaries leverage weaknesses in web application interfaces to execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability requires authentication but provides a path for privilege escalation and persistent access to the underlying system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows remote authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system with the privileges of the web application user. This can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistence mechanisms being established. The vulnerability affects email server environments where IceWarp Web Mail is deployed, potentially exposing sensitive email communications and user data. The persistent nature of the stored code means that the attack can continue even after the initial exploitation, making detection and remediation more challenging. Organizations using these specific versions of Merak and VisNetic mail servers face a critical security risk that could result in unauthorized access to email infrastructure and potential lateral movement within network environments.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the affected software versions to address the input validation flaws in the language parameter handling. Organizations should implement strict input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in configuration settings. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit the scope of potential exploitation. The implementation of web application firewalls and input filtering mechanisms can provide additional layers of protection against similar attacks. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in other components of the email infrastructure. Additionally, monitoring for unusual parameter values and database modifications should be implemented to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and output encoding in web applications, particularly in configuration interfaces where user input is processed and stored for later execution.